Cas9 variants and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides variant Cas9 proteins, nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides systems that include a subject variant Cas9 protein (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the variant Cas9 protein) and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, a subject system includes a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide. The variant Cas9 proteins and the nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins are useful in a wide variety of methods, which are also provided. In some embodiments, a variant Cas9 protein includes a RuvC domain, an HNH domain, and a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region that reduces the RuvC cleavage activity of the protein. In some embodiments, a variant Cas9 protein includes a deletion (of all or a part of the HNH domain) or an insertion (within the HNH domain) that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the protein.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/574,030, filed Nov. 14, 2017, which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT/US2016/035301, filed Jun. 1, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/170,600, filed Jun. 3, 2015, and 62/172,580, filed Jun. 8, 2015, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING PROVIDED AS A TEXT FILE

A Sequence Listing is provided herewith as a text file, “BERK-266WO_SeqList_ST25.txt” created on May 26, 2016 and having a size of 7,922 KB. The contents of the text file are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

INTRODUCTION

RNA-mediated adaptive immune systems in bacteria and archaea rely on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) genomic loci and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins that function together to provide protection from invading viruses and plasmids. In Type II CRISPR-Cas systems, the Cas9 protein functions as an RNA-guided endonuclease that uses a dual-guide RNA consisting of crRNA and trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA) for target recognition and cleavage by a mechanism involving two nuclease active sites that together generate double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs).

RNA-programmed Cas9 has proven to be a versatile tool for genome engineering in multiple cell types and organisms. Guided by a dual-RNA complex or a chimeric single-guide RNA, Cas9 (or variants of Cas9 such as nickase variants) can generate site-specific DSBs or single-stranded breaks (SSBs) within target nucleic acids. Target nucleic acids can include double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as well as RNA. When cleavage of a target nucleic acid occurs within a cell (e.g., a eukaryotic cell), the break in the target nucleic acid can be repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology directed repair (HDR).

Thus, the Cas9 system provides a facile means of modifying genomic information. In addition, catalytically inactive Cas9 alone or fused to transcriptional activator or repressor domains can be used to alter transcription levels at sites within target nucleic acids by binding to the target site without cleavage.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides variant Cas9 proteins, nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides systems that include a subject variant Cas9 protein (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the variant Cas9 protein) and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, a subject system includes a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide. The variant Cas9 proteins and the nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins are useful in a wide variety of methods, which are also provided.

The present disclosure provides a variant Cas9 protein with reduced RuvC cleavage activity (relative to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein), where the variant Cas9 protein includes a RuvC domain, an HNH domain, and a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region that reduces the RuvC cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein (relative to the RuvC cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, the disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region reduces the RuvC cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein such that the variant Cas9 protein is a nickase (e.g., the variant Cas9 protein cleaves the complementary strand of a target nucleic acid, but does not cleave the non-complementary strand of a target nucleic acid). In some cases, the RuvC/HNH linker region includes (relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein), one or more of: an insertion of one or more amino acids, a substitution of one or amino acids, or a deletion of one or more amino acids. In some cases, the disrupted RuvC/HNH linker of a variant Cas9 protein includes one or more proline residues.

The present disclosure provides a variant Cas9 protein with reduced HNH cleavage activity relative to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, wherein the variant Cas9 protein includes (a) a RuvC domain, and (b) at least one of: (i) a deletion (e.g., of 50 or more amino acids, of 100 or more amino acids) within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein; and (ii) an insertion, within the HNH domain, of a heterologous amino acid sequence that provides a heterologous activity (e.g., nucleic acid modifying activity, e.g., DNA modifying activity, RNA modifying activity; protein modifying activity; and the like) to the variant Cas9 protein relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, where the insertion reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. In some cases, the deletion removes at least one catalytic residue of the HNH domain.

In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein includes (i) a deletion (e.g., of 50 or more amino acids, 100 or more amino acids, etc.) within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein; and (ii) an insertion of a heterologous amino acid sequence that provides a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. In some cases the insertion is located within HNH domain (e.g., at the site of deletion). In other words, in some cases, at least a portion of the HNH domain (in some cases the entire HNH domain) of a Cas9 protein (e.g., a wild type Cas9 protein) is replaced (is substituted) with a heterologous polypeptide that provides a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein.

In some cases, when a subject variant Ca9 protein includes a heterologous amino acid sequence that provides a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, the heterologous amino acid sequence provides one or more modifying activities (e.g., a nucleic acid modifying activity, e.g., DNA modifying activity, RNA modifying activity; a protein modifying activity; and the like) to the variant Cas9 protein (e.g., in some cases an activity not present in the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). Examples of DNA modifying, RNA modifying, and protein modifying activities include, but are not limited to: nuclease activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, DNA repair activity, DNA damage activity, deamination activity, dismutase activity, alkylation activity, depurination activity, oxidation activity, pyrimidine dimer forming activity, integrase activity, transposase activity, recombinase activity, polymerase activity, ligase activity, helicase activity, photolyase activity, glycosylase activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, and demyristoylation activity.

In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein substantially lacks all HNH cleavage activity relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein has reduced RuvC cleavage activity relative to the RuvC cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein substantially lacks all RuvC cleavage activity relative to the RuvC cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, such that the variant Cas9 protein does not cleave the non-complementary strand of a double stranded target nucleic acid.

The present disclosure provides methods of binding a target nucleic acid. Subject methods include: contacting a target nucleic acid (e.g., ssDNA, dsDNA, ssRNA) with a subject variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA, wherein the Cas9 guide RNA forms a complex with the variant Cas9 protein and hybridizes to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid, thereby guiding the complex to the target sequence. In some cases, the method results in modification (e.g., cleavage) of the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein has nickase activity that cleaves the complementary strand of a target nucleic acid, but does not cleave the non-complementary strand of a target nucleic acid. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein substantially lacks cleavage activity (e.g., then variant Cas9 protein does not cleave the complementary or the non-complementary strand of a target nucleic acid. In some cases, a subject method includes introducing into a cell: a variant Cas9 protein (or a nucleic acid encoding a variant Cas9 protein), and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, the method also includes introducing a donor polynucleotide (comprising a donor sequence) into the cell, where the method results in the incorporation of the donor sequence into the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein includes a fusion partner that provides for an activity selected from: transcription modulation, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, and demyristoylation activity.

The present disclosure also provides kits and systems for practicing the provided methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-1B presents a schematic of two different types of Cas9 guide RNAs, each associated with a variant Cas9 protein and with a target nucleic acid (in this case a double stranded target DNA).

FIG. 2 presents a schematic of one possible guide RNA. The depicted guide RNA is a single guide RNA with a targeter covalently linked to an activator via 4 linker nucleotides. The nucleotides are 5′ to 3′ from left to right.

FIG. 3A-3F provide schematic representations of example embodiments of subject compositions and methods in which the target nucleic acid is a single stranded nucleic acid. (FIG. 3A-3B) Each embodiment depicted includes a PAMmer, which is hybridized to a single stranded target nucleic acid; and a Cas9 guide RNA, which is hybridized to the target nucleic acid and is associated with a variant Cas9 protein. In cases where the target nucleic acid is double stranded, the PAM sequence can be provided by the target nucleic acid and a PAMmer may therefore not be necessary. (FIG. 3C-3D) Each embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D includes a PAMmer having a specificity segment and an orientation segment. The PAM sequence is complementary to the target nucleic acid in FIG. 3C, and is not complementary to the target nucleic acid in FIG. 3D. (FIG. 3E-3F) Each embodiment depicted in E and F includes a PAMmer having either a specificity segment or an orientation segment. The PAM sequence is complementary to the target nucleic acid on the right, and is not complementary to the target nucleic acid on the left.

FIG. 4A-4D list examples of suitable fusion partners (or fragments thereof) for a subject variant Cas9 protein. Examples include, but are not limited to those listed.

FIG. 5A-5B present the arrangement of domains in the primary amino acid sequence of a wild type Cas9 protein, and a schematic of one way in which Cas9 can be split into two separate polypeptides (an alpha-helical lobe and a nuclease lobe) that retain the ability to catalyze RNA-guided dsDNA cleavage.

FIG. 6A-6E depict the structural design of Cas9 proline insertion mutants (which are Cas9 variants).

FIG. 7 presents data related to whether proline insertion mutants (which are Cas9 variants) are specifically compromised for RuvC cleavage activity (i.e., whether the proline insertion mutations result in reduced cleavage activity of the RuvC domain).

FIG. 8 presents data related to analysis of DNA cleavage activity for selected Cas9 variants.

FIG. 9 presents measured rate constants for DNA cleavage by selected Cas9 variants.

FIG. 10A-10B present structural design of ΔHNH-Cas9.

FIG. 11A-11D present binding and enzymatic activity data for ΔHNH-Cas9.

DEFINITIONS

The terms “polynucleotide” and “nucleic acid,” used interchangeably herein, refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides or deoxynucleotides. Thus, this term includes, but is not limited to, single-, double-, or multi-stranded DNA or RNA, genomic DNA, cDNA, DNA-RNA hybrids, or a polymer comprising purine and pyrimidine bases or other natural, chemically or biochemically modified, non-natural, or derivatized nucleotide bases. The terms “polynucleotide” and “nucleic acid” should be understood to include, as applicable to the embodiment being described, single-stranded (such as sense or antisense) and double-stranded polynucleotides.

The terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to a polymeric form of amino acids of any length, which can include coded and non-coded amino acids, chemically or biochemically modified or derivatized amino acids, and polypeptides having modified peptide backbones.

The term “naturally-occurring” as used herein as applied to a nucleic acid, a protein, a cell, or an organism, refers to a nucleic acid, protein, cell, or organism that is found in nature. For example, a polypeptide or polynucleotide sequence that is present in an organism (including viruses) that can be isolated from a source in nature and which has not been intentionally modified by a human in the laboratory is naturally occurring.

As used herein the term “isolated” is meant to describe a polynucleotide, a polypeptide, or a cell that is in an environment different from that in which the polynucleotide, the polypeptide, or the cell naturally occurs. An isolated genetically modified host cell may be present in a mixed population of genetically modified host cells.

“Heterologous,” as used herein, means a nucleotide or polypeptide sequence that is not found in the native nucleic acid or protein, respectively. For example, a subject variant Cas9 protein can be a chimeric variant Cas9 protein that includes a heterologous amino acid sequence (e.g., a fusion partner). Thus, a subject variant Cas9 protein can be a chimeric variant Cas9 protein that includes: (i) a variant Cas9 protein (e.g., having a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region; having a deletion within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity; having an insertion within the HNH domain of a heterologous amino acid sequence; etc.) and (ii) a non-Cas9 polypeptide (where the non-Cas9 polypeptide can be referred to as a fusion partner). For example, a subject variant Cas9 protein can be a chimeric variant Cas9 protein that includes a variant Cas9 protein (e.g., having a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region; having a deletion within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity; having an insertion within the HNH domain of a heterologous amino acid sequence; etc.) fused to a non-Cas9 polypeptide (where the non-Cas9 polypeptide can be referred to as a fusion partner). In some cases, a subject variant Cas9 protein can be a chimeric variant Cas9 protein that includes (a) a variant Cas9 protein (e.g., having a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region; having a deletion within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity; having an insertion within the HNH domain of a heterologous amino acid sequence; etc.; etc.) fused to (b) a portion of a another Cas9 protein (e.g., a domain or region of a Cas9 protein that is different from the Cas9 protein of portion (a), e.g., the Cas9 protein of portion (a) can be from a different species than the Cas9 protein of portion (b)).

As used herein, the term “exogenous nucleic acid” refers to a nucleic acid that is not normally or naturally found in and/or produced by a given bacterium, organism, or cell in nature. As used herein, the term “endogenous nucleic acid” refers to a nucleic acid that is normally found in and/or produced by a given bacterium, organism, or cell in nature. An “endogenous nucleic acid” is also referred to as a “native nucleic acid” or a nucleic acid that is “native” to a given bacterium, organism, or cell.

“Recombinant,” as used herein, means that a particular nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) or protein is the product of various combinations of cloning, restriction, and/or ligation steps resulting in a construct having a structural coding or non-coding sequence distinguishable from endogenous nucleic acids found in natural systems. Generally, DNA sequences encoding the structural coding sequence can be assembled from cDNA fragments and short oligonucleotide linkers, or from a series of synthetic oligonucleotides, to provide a synthetic nucleic acid which is capable of being expressed from a recombinant transcriptional unit contained in a cell or in a cell-free transcription and translation system. Such sequences can be provided in the form of an open reading frame uninterrupted by internal non-translated sequences, or introns, which are typically present in eukaryotic genes. Genomic DNA comprising the relevant sequences can also be used in the formation of a recombinant gene or transcriptional unit. Sequences of non-translated DNA may be present 5′ or 3′ from the open reading frame, where such sequences do not interfere with manipulation or expression of the coding regions, and may indeed act to modulate production of a desired product by various mechanisms (see “DNA regulatory sequences”, below).

Thus, e.g., the term “recombinant” polynucleotide or “recombinant” nucleic acid refers to one which is not naturally occurring, e.g., is made by the artificial combination of two otherwise separated segments of sequence through human intervention. This artificial combination is often accomplished by either chemical synthesis means, or by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques. Such is usually done to replace a codon with a redundant codon encoding the same or a conservative amino acid, while typically introducing or removing a sequence recognition site. Alternatively, it is performed to join together nucleic acid segments of desired functions to generate a desired combination of functions. This artificial combination is often accomplished by either chemical synthesis means, or by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques.

Similarly, the term “recombinant” polypeptide refers to a polypeptide which is not naturally occurring, e.g., is made by the artificial combination of two otherwise separated segments of amino sequence through human intervention. Thus, e.g., a polypeptide that comprises a heterologous amino acid sequence is recombinant.

By “construct” or “vector” is meant a recombinant nucleic acid, generally recombinant DNA, which has been generated for the purpose of the expression and/or propagation of a nucleotide sequence(s) of interest, or is to be used in the construction of other recombinant nucleotide sequences.

The term “transformation” is used interchangeably herein with “genetic modification” and refers to a permanent or transient genetic change induced in a cell following introduction of a nucleic acid (i.e., DNA and/or RNA exogenous to the cell). Genetic change (“modification”) can be accomplished either by incorporation of the new DNA into the genome of the host cell, or by transient or stable maintenance of the new DNA as an episomal element. Where the cell is a eukaryotic cell, a permanent genetic change is generally achieved by introduction of the DNA into the genome of the cell. In prokaryotic cells, permanent changes can be introduced into the chromosome or via extrachromosomal elements such as plasmids and expression vectors, which may contain one or more selectable markers to aid in their maintenance in the recombinant host cell. Suitable methods of genetic modification include viral infection, transfection, conjugation, protoplast fusion, electroporation, particle gun technology, calcium phosphate precipitation, direct microinjection, and the like. The choice of method is generally dependent on the type of cell being transformed and the circumstances under which the transformation is taking place (i.e. in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo). A general discussion of these methods can be found in Ausubel, et al, Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, 3rd ed., Wiley & Sons, 1995.

The terms “DNA regulatory sequences,” “control elements,” and “regulatory elements,” used interchangeably herein, refer to transcriptional and translational control sequences, such as promoters, enhancers, polyadenylation signals, terminators, protein degradation signals, and the like, that provide for and/or regulate expression of a coding sequence and/or production of an encoded polypeptide in a host cell. As used herein, a “promoter sequence” or “promoter” is a DNA regulatory region capable of binding/recruiting RNA polymerase (e.g., via a transcription initiation complex) and initiating transcription of a downstream (3′ direction) sequence (e.g., a protein coding (“coding”) or non protein-coding (“non-coding”) sequence. A promoter can be a constitutively active promoter (e.g., a promoter that is constitutively in an active/“ON” state), it may be an inducible promoter (e.g., a promoter whose state, active/“ON” or inactive/“OFF”, is controlled by an external stimulus, e.g., the presence of a particular temperature, compound, or protein), it may be a spatially restricted promoter (e.g., tissue specific promoter, cell type specific promoter, etc.), and/or it may be a temporally restricted promoter (e.g., the promoter is in the “ON” state or “OFF” state during specific stages of embryonic development or during specific stages of a biological process, e.g., hair follicle cycle in mice).

“Operably linked” refers to a juxtaposition wherein the components so described are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a nucleotide sequence (e.g., a protein coding sequence, e.g., a sequence encoding an mRNA; a non protein coding sequence, e.g., a sequence encoding a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) such as a Cas9 guide RNA, a targeter RNA, an activator RNA; and the like) if the promoter affects its transcription and/or expression. As used herein, the terms “heterologous promoter” and “heterologous control regions” refer to promoters and other control regions that are not normally associated with a particular nucleic acid in nature. For example, a “transcriptional control region heterologous to a coding region” is a transcriptional control region that is not normally associated with the coding region in nature.

A “host cell,” as used herein, denotes an in vivo or in vitro eukaryotic cell, a prokaryotic cell, or a cell from a multicellular organism (e.g., a cell line) cultured as a unicellular entity, which eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells can be, or have been, used as recipients for a nucleic acid (e.g., an expression vector that comprises a nucleotide sequence of interest), and include the progeny of the original cell which has been genetically modified by the nucleic acid. It is understood that the progeny of a single cell may not necessarily be completely identical in morphology or in genomic or total DNA complement as the original parent, due to natural, accidental, or deliberate mutation. A “recombinant host cell” (also referred to as a “genetically modified host cell”) is a host cell into which has been introduced a heterologous nucleic acid, e.g., an expression vector. For example, a subject prokaryotic host cell is a genetically modified prokaryotic host cell (e.g., a bacterium), by virtue of introduction into a suitable prokaryotic host cell of a heterologous nucleic acid, e.g., an exogenous nucleic acid that is foreign to (not normally found in nature in) the prokaryotic host cell, or a recombinant nucleic acid that is not normally found in the prokaryotic host cell; and a subject eukaryotic host cell is a genetically modified eukaryotic host cell, by virtue of introduction into a suitable eukaryotic host cell of a heterologous nucleic acid, e.g., an exogenous nucleic acid that is foreign to the eukaryotic host cell, or a recombinant nucleic acid that is not normally found in the eukaryotic host cell.

The term “conservative amino acid substitution” refers to the interchangeability in proteins of amino acid residues having similar side chains. For example, a group of amino acids having aliphatic side chains consists of glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine; a group of amino acids having aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains consists of serine and threonine; a group of amino acids having amide-containing side chains consists of asparagine and glutamine; a group of amino acids having aromatic side chains consists of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; a group of amino acids having basic side chains consists of lysine, arginine, and histidine; and a group of amino acids having sulfur-containing side chains consists of cysteine and methionine. Exemplary conservative amino acid substitution groups are: valine-leucine-isoleucine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, lysine-arginine, alanine-valine, and asparagine-glutamine.

A polynucleotide or polypeptide has a certain percent “sequence identity” to another polynucleotide or polypeptide, meaning that, when aligned, that percentage of bases or amino acids are the same, and in the same relative position, when comparing the two sequences. Sequence similarity can be determined in a number of different manners. To determine sequence identity, sequences can be aligned using the methods and computer programs, including BLAST, available over the world wide web at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST. See, e.g., Altschul et al. (1990), J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-10. Another alignment algorithm is FASTA, available in the Genetics Computing Group (GCG) package, from Madison, Wis., USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford Molecular Group, Inc. Other techniques for alignment are described in Methods in Enzymology, vol. 266: Computer Methods for Macromolecular Sequence Analysis (1996), ed. Doolittle, Academic Press, Inc., a division of Harcourt Brace & Co., San Diego, Calif., USA. Of particular interest are alignment programs that permit gaps in the sequence. The Smith-Waterman is one type of algorithm that permits gaps in sequence alignments. See Meth. Mol. Biol. 70: 173-187 (1997). Also, the GAP program using the Needleman and Wunsch alignment method can be utilized to align sequences. See J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453 (1970).

“Binding” as used herein (e.g. with reference to binding between an RNA and a protein, e.g., via an RNA-binding domain of a polypeptide) refers to a non-covalent interaction between macromolecules (e.g., between a protein and a nucleic acid). While in a state of non-covalent interaction, the macromolecules are said to be “associated” or “interacting” or “binding” (e.g., when a molecule X is said to interact with a molecule Y, it is meant the molecule X binds to molecule Y in a non-covalent manner). Not all components of a binding interaction need be sequence-specific (e.g., contacts with phosphate residues in a DNA backbone), but some portions of a binding interaction may be sequence-specific. Binding interactions are generally characterized by a dissociation constant (Kd) of less than 10⁻⁶ M, less than 10⁷ M, less than 10⁻⁸ M, less than 10⁻⁹ M, less than 10⁻¹⁰ M, less than 10⁻¹¹ M, less than 10⁻¹² M, less than 10⁻¹³ M, less than 10⁻¹⁴ M, or less than 10⁻¹⁵ M. “Affinity” refers to the strength of binding, increased binding affinity being correlated with a lower Kd.

By “binding domain” it is meant a protein domain that is able to bind non-covalently to another molecule. A binding domain can bind to, for example, a DNA molecule (a DNA-binding protein), an RNA molecule (an RNA-binding protein) and/or a protein molecule (a protein-binding protein). In the case of a protein domain-binding protein, it can bind to itself (to form homodimers, homotrimers, etc.) and/or it can bind to one or more molecules of a different protein or proteins.

Before the present invention is further described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a protein” includes a plurality of such proteins and reference to “the nucleic acid” includes reference to one or more nucleic acids and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. All combinations of the embodiments pertaining to the invention are specifically embraced by the present invention and are disclosed herein just as if each and every combination was individually and explicitly disclosed. In addition, all sub-combinations of the various embodiments and elements thereof are also specifically embraced by the present invention and are disclosed herein just as if each and every such sub-combination was individually and explicitly disclosed herein.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides variant Cas9 proteins, nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides systems that include a subject variant Cas9 protein (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the variant Cas9 protein) and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, a subject system includes a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide. The variant Cas9 proteins and the nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins are useful in a wide variety of methods, which are also provided.

Compositions

A subject composition includes a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein. A subject composition can also include one or more of: a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, and a donor polynucleotide. For example, in some cases, a subject composition includes a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, a subject composition includes a PAMmer. In some cases, a subject composition includes a donor polynucleotide. In some cases, a subject composition includes a PAMmer and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, a subject composition includes a PAMmer and a donor polynucleotide. In some cases, a subject composition includes a Cas9 guide RNA and a donor polynucleotide. In some cases, a subject composition includes a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, and a donor polynucleotide.

Variant Cas9 Proteins

A subject variant Cas9 protein is a variant of a Cas9 protein (a protein having an amino acid sequence that is different than a wild type Cas9 protein, e.g., an amino acid sequence that is mutated relative to the amino acid sequence of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein).

Variant Cas9 Proteins with a Disrupted RuvC/HNH Linker

In some cases, a variant Cas9 protein has a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker. The RuvC/HNH linker is small stretch of amino acids within the Cas9 protein that links the HNH domain to the third portion of the RuvC domain (also referred to in the art as RuvCIII). In other words, the RuvC/HNH linker is at the border of the HNH domain and the RuvCIII domain in the primary amino acid sequence. In the three dimensional crystal structure of the Cas9 protein, the RuvC/HNH linker connects the RuvC domain (which is a 3-dimensional domain that forms through the interaction of the RuvCI, RuvCII, and RuvCIII regions of primary amino acid sequence) with the HNH domain (e.g., see FIG. 5A).

The inventors have discovered that the HNH domain (which in a wild type Cas9 protein cleaves the complementary strand of a double stranded target nucleic acid) and the RuvC domain (which in a wild type Cas9 protein cleaves the non-complementary strand of a double stranded target nucleic acid) communicate via the RuvC/HNH linker. Upon associating with a proper target sequence, the HNH domain undergoes a conformational change (e.g., as part of the cleavage step) that is communicated to the RuvC domain via the RuvC/HNH linker. The inventors have discovered that when the RuvC/HNH linker is disrupted (e.g., has an amino acid mutation such as a proline insertion or substitution that results in disruption of alpha helix formation), the conformational change of the HNH domain is not communicated to the RuvC domain, and the RuvC domain therefore does not cleave the target nucleic acid (or cleaves with reduced efficiency/rate), even if the RuvC domain itself is wild type (e.g., includes no mutations in the catalytic residues of the RuvC domain).

Depending on the conformation of the protein at any given time, the RuvC/HNH linker (also referred to herein as the “RuvC/HNH linker region”) can take the form an alpha-helix, which can be an extended alpha-helix. Thus, the RuvC/HNH linker region can include amino acids 915 to 937 (GFIKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILDS; SEQ ID NO: 1600) of the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 or the corresponding amino acids of the Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346 (for example, amino acids 915 to 936 (GFIKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILD; SEQ ID NO: 1601); amino acids 915 to 928 (GFIKRQLVETRQIT; SEQ ID NO: 1602); amino acids 915 to 927 (GFIKRQLVETRQI; SEQ ID NO: 1603); amino acids 915 to 925 (GFIKRQLVETR; SEQ ID NO: 1604); amino acids 916 to 937 (FIKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILDS; SEQ ID NO: 1605); amino acids 916 to 936 (FIKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILD; SEQ ID NO: 1606); amino acids 916 to 928 (FIKRQLVETRQIT; SEQ ID NO: 1607); amino acids 916 to 927 (FIKRQLVETRQI; SEQ ID NO: 1608); amino acids 916 to 925 (FIKRQLVETR; SEQ ID NO: 1609); amino acids 917 to 937 (IKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILDS; SEQ ID NO: 1610); amino acids 917 to 936 (IKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILD; SEQ ID NO: 1611); amino acids 917 to 928 (IKRQLVETRQIT; SEQ ID NO: 1612); amino acids 917 to 927 (IKRQLVETRQI; SEQ ID NO: 1613); amino acids 917 to 925 (IKRQLVETR; SEQ ID NO: 1614); amino acids 919 to 937 (RQLVETRQITKHVAQILDS; SEQ ID NO: 1615); amino acids 919 to 936 (RQLVETRQITKHVAQILD; SEQ ID NO: 1616); amino acids 919 to 928 (RQLVETRQIT; SEQ ID NO: 1617); amino acids 919 to 927 (RQLVETRQI; SEQ ID NO: 1618); or amino acids 919 to 925 (RQLVETR; SEQ ID NO: 1619) of the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 or the corresponding amino acids of the Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346).

In some cases, the RuvC/HNH linker of a subject variant Cas9 protein includes a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker. The term “disrupted RuvC/HNH linker” refers to a RuvC/HNH linker having a mutation (e.g., substitution, insertion, deletion) of one or more amino acids (e.g., 2 or more amino acids, 3 or more amino acids, 4 or more amino acids, 5 or more amino acids, etc.) (e.g., relative to a wild type Cas9 protein) that causes a reduction of RuvC cleavage activity (cleavage of the non-complementary strand of a double stranded target nucleic acid) of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the RuvC cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein has a RuvC cleavage activity that is 90% or less of the RuvC cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein (e.g., 85% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less of the RuvC cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). In some cases, a variant Cas9 protein has substantially no RuvC cleavage activity compared to the RuvC cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. In some of the above cases, a variant Cas9 protein retains HNH cleavage activity. Thus, for example, when a variant Cas9 protein has substantially no RuvC cleavage activity (e.g., compared to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein), the variant Cas9 protein does not cleave the non-complementary strand of a double stranded target nucleic acid. When such a variant Cas9 protein has HNH cleavage activity (cleavage of target nucleic acid by the HNH domain), the variant Cas9 protein can be referred to as a “nickase” or as having “nickase activity.” Techniques for measuring cleavage activity (both RuvC and HNH cleavage activity) of Cas9 proteins will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such techniques may involve cleavage of a target nucleic acid outside of a cell in vitro, inside of a cell in vitro, etc. Any convenient method can used.

In some cases, the mutation of the RuvC/HNH linker is a substitution or insertion of one or more amino acids. In some case, a newly present amino acid (i.e., an amino acid present due to an insertion or substitution) is an amino acid having a bulky side chain (e.g., proline, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine). In some cases, the newly present amino acid is one known to disrupt alpha helical structures (e.g., proline). Thus, in some cases, a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker includes one or more residues (e.g., two or more residues, three or more residues) selected from: proline, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. In some cases, a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker includes one or more proline residues (e.g., two or more proline residues, three or more proline residues). In some cases, the disrupted RuvC/HNH linker includes 1-10 proline residues (e.g., 1-9, 1-8, 1-7, 1-6, 1-5, 1-4, 1-3, or 1-2 proline residues). In some cases in which a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker includes more than one proline residue, two or more of the prolines are side by side (e.g., PP, PPP, PPPP). For example in some cases, a subject variant Cas9 protein includes a RuvC/HNH linker having two side by side proline residues (e.g., PP).

Any position within a RuvC/HNH linker can be substituted with a bulky amino acid (e.g., an alpha helix disrupting amino acid such as proline). For example, suitable amino acid positions (relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2) for substitution include but are not limited to amino acid positions 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, and 937. Any of the positions (e.g., 915-937) can have an amino acid mutation (e.g., a substitution such as a proline substitution). Examples of suitable mutations include, but are not limited to: G915P, F916P, R919P, Q920P, L921P, E923P, T924P, R925P, I927P, and T928P. In some cases, a subject Ca9 variant includes a RuvC/HNH linker with mutations (e.g., substitutions such as proline substitutions)(e.g., relative to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein) at two or more amino acid positions (e.g., three or more, four or more, or five or more amino acid positions). For RuvC/HNH linkers having two mutations (e.g., RuvC/HNH linkers having two proline residues), any two residues of the RuvC/HNH linker can harbor the mutation. For example, suitable amino acid positions (relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2) for mutation (e.g., substitution such as proline substitution) include but are not limited to amino acid position pairs: 915 and 916; 915 and 917; 915 and 918; 915 and 919; 915 and 920; 915 and 921; 915 and 922; 915 and 923; 915 and 924; 915 and 925; 915 and 926; 915 and 927; 915 and 928; 915 and 929; 915 and 930; 915 and 931; 915 and 932; 915 and 933; 915 and 934; 915 and 935; 915 and 936; 915 and 937; 916 and 917; 916 and 918; 916 and 919; 916 and 920; 916 and 921; 916 and 922; 916 and 923; 916 and 924; 916 and 925; 916 and 926; 916 and 927; 916 and 928; 916 and 929; 916 and 930; 916 and 931; 916 and 932; 916 and 933; 916 and 934; 916 and 935; 916 and 936; 916 and 937; 917 and 918; 917 and 919; 917 and 920; 917 and 921; 917 and 922; 917 and 923; 917 and 924; 917 and 925; 917 and 926; 917 and 927; 917 and 928; 917 and 929; 917 and 930; 917 and 931; 917 and 932; 917 and 933; 917 and 934; 917 and 935; 917 and 936; 917 and 937; 918 and 919; 918 and 920; 918 and 921; 918 and 922; 918 and 923; 918 and 924; 918 and 925; 918 and 926; 918 and 927; 918 and 928; 918 and 929; 918 and 930; 918 and 931; 918 and 932; 918 and 933; 918 and 934; 918 and 935; 918 and 936; 918 and 937; 919 and 920; 919 and 921; 919 and 922; 919 and 923; 919 and 924; 919 and 925; 919 and 926; 919 and 927; 919 and 928; 919 and 929; 919 and 930; 919 and 931; 919 and 932; 919 and 933; 919 and 934; 919 and 935; 919 and 936; 919 and 937; 920 and 921; 920 and 922; 920 and 923; 920 and 924; 920 and 925; 920 and 926; 920 and 927; 920 and 928; 920 and 929; 920 and 930; 920 and 931; 920 and 932; 920 and 933; 920 and 934; 920 and 935; 920 and 936; 920 and 937; 921 and 922; 921 and 923; 921 and 924; 921 and 925; 921 and 926; 921 and 927; 921 and 928; 921 and 929; 921 and 930; 921 and 931; 921 and 932; 921 and 933; 921 and 934; 921 and 935; 921 and 936; 921 and 937; 922 and 923; 922 and 924; 922 and 925; 922 and 926; 922 and 927; 922 and 928; 922 and 929; 922 and 930; 922 and 931; 922 and 932; 922 and 933; 922 and 934; 922 and 935; 922 and 936; 922 and 937; 923 and 924; 923 and 925; 923 and 926; 923 and 927; 923 and 928; 923 and 929; 923 and 930; 923 and 931; 923 and 932; 923 and 933; 923 and 934; 923 and 935; 923 and 936; 923 and 937; 924 and 925; 924 and 926; 924 and 927; 924 and 928; 924 and 929; 924 and 930; 924 and 931; 924 and 932; 924 and 933; 924 and 934; 924 and 935; 924 and 936; 924 and 937; 925 and 926; 925 and 927; 925 and 928; 925 and 929; 925 and 930; 925 and 931; 925 and 932; 925 and 933; 925 and 934; 925 and 935; 925 and 936; 925 and 937; 926 and 927; 926 and 928; 926 and 929; 926 and 930; 926 and 931; 926 and 932; 926 and 933; 926 and 934; 926 and 935; 926 and 936; 926 and 937; 927 and 928; 927 and 929; 927 and 930; 927 and 931; 927 and 932; 927 and 933; 927 and 934; 927 and 935; 927 and 936; 927 and 937; 928 and 929; 928 and 930; 928 and 931; 928 and 932; 928 and 933; 928 and 934; 928 and 935; 928 and 936; 928 and 937; 929 and 930; 929 and 931; 929 and 932; 929 and 933; 929 and 934; 929 and 935; 929 and 936; 929 and 937; 930 and 931; 930 and 932; 930 and 933; 930 and 934; 930 and 935; 930 and 936; 930 and 937; 931 and 932; 931 and 933; 931 and 934; 931 and 935; 931 and 936; 931 and 937; 932 and 933; 932 and 934; 932 and 935; 932 and 936; 932 and 937; 933 and 934; 933 and 935; 933 and 936; 933 and 937; 934 and 935; 934 and 936; 934 and 937; 935 and 936; 935 and 937; and 936 and 937. In some cases, the amino acid positions (relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2) for mutation (e.g., substitution such as proline substitution) are an amino acid position pair selected from: 915 and 916, 919 and 920, 923 and 924, and 927 and 928 (however, any position pair between 915 and 937 is suitable). For example, suitable examples (having two mutations) include, but are not limited to: G915P and F916P; R919P and Q920P; E923P and T924P; and I927P and T928P.

Examples of subject Cas9 variants (having a modified RuvC/HNH linker) include, but are not limited to, the following:

E923P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1588) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQLV [ P ] TRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQFY KVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMIA KSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEIV WDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIARK KDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERSS FEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQKG NELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQI SEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPAA FKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD R925P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1589) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQLVET [ P ] QITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQFYKV REINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMIAKS EQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEIVWD KGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIARKKD WDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERSSFE KNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQKGNE LALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQISE FSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPAAFK YFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD E923P, T924P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1590) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQLV [ P ] RQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQFYK VREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMIAK SEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEIVW DKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIARKK DWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERSSF EKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQKGN ELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQIS EFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPAAF KYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD L921P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1591) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQ [ P ] VETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQ FYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKM IAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGE IVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIA RKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMER SSFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQ KGNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIE QISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAP AAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD G915P, F916P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1592) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKA [ P ] IKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDF RKDFQFYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVY DVRKMIAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETN GETGEIVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNS DKLIARKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGI TIMERSSFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLAS AGELQKGNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYL DEIIEQISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLT NLGAPAAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLG GD R919P, Q920P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1593) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKAGFIK [ P ] LVETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDF QFYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRK MIAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETG EIVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLI ARKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIME RSSFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGEL QKGNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEII EQISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGA PAAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD I927P, T928P-Cas9: (SEQ ID NO: 1594) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHP VENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDD SIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNL TKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQLVETRQ [ P ] KHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQFYKVREI NNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMIAKSEQE IGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEIVWDKGR DFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIARKKDWDP KKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERSSFEKNP IDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQKGNELAL PSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQISEFSK RVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPAAFKYFD TTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD.

Variant Cas9 Proteins Lacking all or a Portion of the HNH Domain

In some cases, a variant Cas9 protein is missing (has a deletion of) all or part of the HNH domain. In some cases, a deletion within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity is a deletion of the entire HNH domain Thus, such a variant Cas9 protein can be referred as lacking all of the HNH domain.

A suitable deletion within the HNH domain can be of any size. For example, a deletion within the HNH domain can be a deletion of one or more amino acids of the HNH domain (2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 15 or more, 20 or more, 25 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 70 or more, 80 or more, 90 or more, 100 or more amino acids, or 150 or more amino acids). In some cases, a deletion includes deletion of one or more catalytic amino acids. For example, in some cases, a deletion includes residue H840 of the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 or the corresponding amino acid of the Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, a deletion includes residue N854 of the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 or the corresponding amino acid of the Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, a deletion includes residue N863 of the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 or the corresponding amino acid of the Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, a deletion removes one or more (e.g., 2 or more, 2, or 3) of the following 3 residues: H840, N854, and N863 relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2 (e.g., the corresponding amino acids of the Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346).

In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein (having a deletion of all or a portion of the HNH domain) has an HNH cleavage activity that is 90% or less of the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein (e.g., 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less of the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). In some cases, a variant Cas9 protein has substantially no HNH cleavage activity compared to the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. Thus, for example, when a variant Cas9 protein has substantially no HNH cleavage activity (e.g., compared to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein), the variant Cas9 protein does not cleave the complementary strand of a target nucleic acid. In some cases, amino acids 769-922 are deleted (numbered relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2). In some cases, amino acids 769-918 are deleted (numbered relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2).

In some embodiments, the deleted amino acids are replaced with a linker polypeptide. The linker polypeptide may have any of a variety of amino acid sequences. Proteins can be joined by a spacer peptide, generally of a flexible nature, although other chemical linkages are not excluded. Suitable linkers include polypeptides of between about 6 amino acids and about 40 amino acids in length, or between about 6 amino acids and about 25 amino acids in length. These linkers are generally produced by using synthetic, linker-encoding oligonucleotides to couple the proteins. Peptide linkers with a degree of flexibility will generally be preferred. The linking peptides may have virtually any amino acid sequence, bearing in mind that the preferred linkers will have a sequence that results in a generally flexible peptide. The use of small amino acids, such as glycine and alanine, are of use in creating a flexible peptide. The creation of such sequences is routine to those of skill in the art. A variety of different linkers are commercially available and are considered suitable for use.

Examples of linker polypeptides include glycine polymers (G)_(n), glycine-serine polymers (including, for example, (GS)_(n), GSGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1548), GGSGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1620), and GGGS_(n)(SEQ ID NO: 1549), where n is an integer of at least one), glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers. Exemplary linkers can comprise amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1550), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 1551), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1552), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO: 1553), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1554), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO: 1555), and the like. The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that design of a peptide conjugated to any elements described above can include linkers that are all or partially flexible, such that the linker can include a flexible linker as well as one or more portions that confer less flexible structure.

Examples of Cas9 variants lacking all or a portion of the HNH domain include, but are not limited to, the following (amino acids displayed are from the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth as SEQ ID NO: 2, and such deletions can be made to the corresponding amino acids of any Cas9 protein):

ΔHNH-1 (deletes 769-922, no linker): (SEQ ID NO: 1595) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQ [------] ETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQF YKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMI AKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEI VWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIAR KKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERS SFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQK GNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQ ISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPA AFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD. ΔHNH-2 (deletes 769-922; GGSGGS linker): (SEQ ID NO: 1596) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQ [---GGSGGS---] ETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQF YKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMI AKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEI VWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIAR KKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERS SFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQK GNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQ ISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPA AFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGD. ΔHNH-3 (deletes 769-918, no linker): (SEQ ID NO: 1597) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQ [------] RQLVETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRK DFQFYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDV RKMIAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGE TGEIVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDK LIARKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITI MERSSFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAG ELQKGNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDE IIEQISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNL GAPAAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGG D. ΔHNH-4 (deletes 769-918; GGSGGS linker): (SEQ ID NO: 1598) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQ [---GGSGGS---] RQLVETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRK DFQFYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDV RKMIAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGE TGEIVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDK LIARKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITI MERSSFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAG ELQKGNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDE IIEQISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNL GAPAAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGG D. ΔHNH-5 (deletes 769-918; GGS linker): (SEQ ID NO: 1599) MDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGA LLFDSGETAEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFFHR LEESFLVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDKAD LRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYNQLFEENP INASGVDAKAILSARLSKSRRLENLIAQLPGEKKNGLFGNLIALSLGLTP NFKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIGDQYADLFLAAKNLSDAI LLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEHHQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEI FFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFYKFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLR KQRTFDNGSIPHQIHLGELHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPY YVGPLARGNSRFAWMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDK NLPNEKVLPKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVD LLFKTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLLKI IKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLFDDKVMKQ LKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGFANRNFMQLIHDD SLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKV MGRHKPENIVIEMARENQ [---GGS--] RQLVETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRK DFQFYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDV RKMIAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGE TGEIVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDK LIARKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITI MERSSFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAG ELQKGNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDE IIEQISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNL GAPAAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGG D.

In some cases, a subject Cas9 variant is lacking all or a portion of the HNH domain (e.g., includes any of the deletions discussed above), and includes a heterologous amino acid sequence (heterologous polypeptide). This, all or a portion of the HNH domain (the deleted amino acids) can be replaced with a heterologous polypeptide. In some cases, the heterologous polypeptide can provide a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein (relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). For example, in some cases, the heterologous polypeptide provides one or more modifying activities (e.g., a nucleic acid modifying activity, e.g., DNA modifying activity, RNA modifying activity; a protein modifying activity; and the like) to the variant Cas9 protein (e.g., in some cases an activity not present in the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). Examples of suitable DNA modifying, RNA modifying, and protein modifying activities include, but are not limited to: nuclease activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, DNA repair activity, DNA damage activity, deamination activity, dismutase activity, alkylation activity, depurination activity, oxidation activity, pyrimidine dimer forming activity, integrase activity, transposase activity, recombinase activity, polymerase activity, ligase activity, helicase activity, photolyase activity, glycosylase activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, and demyristoylation activity. Any protein or protein domain having these or other activities can be present in a variant Cas9 protein. A heterologous amino acid sequence having one or more of these activities can be referred to herein as a fusion partner.

In some cases, when deleted amino acids of the HNH domain are replace with a heterologous polypeptide (e.g., that provides an activity to the variant Cas9 protein not found in the in a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein), the RuvC domain and the RuvC/HNH linker and the RuvC domain remain intact such that the variant Cas9 protein cleaves the non-complementary strand of a double stranded target nucleic acid and also performs whatever activity is provided by the heterologous polypeptide (e.g., a modifying activity that modifies the target nucleic acid). Cas9 Variants with insertion in the HNH domain

In some cases, a subject Cas9 variant includes a heterologous amino acid sequence (heterologous polypeptide) that is inserted into the HNH domain. In some cases, such insertion disrupts the HNH domain such that the variant Cas9 protein has reduced HNH cleavage activity compared to the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. A heterologous amino acid sequence can be inserted anywhere within the HNH domain. In some cases, a heterologous amino acid sequence is inserted between catalytic residues of the HNH domain. Suitable positions for a heterologous amino acid sequence to be inserted include, but are not limited to: a position between H840 and N854, a position between N854 and N863, at H840, at N854, and at N863 (as numbered relative to the wild type S. pyogenes Cas9 protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2).

In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein (having an insertion of a heterologous amino acid sequence in the HNH domain) has an HNH cleavage activity that is 90% or less of the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein (e.g., 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less of the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). In some cases, a variant Cas9 protein has substantially no HNH cleavage activity compared to the HNH cleavage activity of a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein. Thus, for example, when a variant Cas9 protein has substantially no HNH cleavage activity (e.g., compared to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein), the variant Cas9 protein does not cleave the complementary strand of a target nucleic acid.

In some cases, the inserted heterologous amino acid sequence can provide a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein (relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). For example, in some cases, the heterologous amino acid sequence provides one or more modifying activities (e.g., a nucleic acid modifying activity, e.g., DNA modifying activity, RNA modifying activity; a protein modifying activity; and the like) to the variant Cas9 protein (e.g., in some cases an activity not present in the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein). Examples of suitable DNA modifying, RNA modifying, and protein modifying activities include, but are not limited to: nuclease activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, DNA repair activity, DNA damage activity, deamination activity, dismutase activity, alkylation activity, depurination activity, oxidation activity, pyrimidine dimer forming activity, integrase activity, transposase activity, recombinase activity, polymerase activity, ligase activity, helicase activity, photolyase activity, glycosylase activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, and demyristoylation activity. Any protein or protein domain having these or other activities can be present in a variant Cas9 protein. A heterologous amino acid sequence having one or more of these activities can be referred to herein as a fusion partner.

For the descriptions below (e.g., for chimeric variant Cas9 proteins, e.g., variant Cas9 proteins with a fusion partner; for heterodimeric Cas9 proteins; for Cas9 guide RNAs; for PAMmers; for donor polypeptides; for nucleic acids; for vectors; for host cells; for non-human genetically modified organisms; etc.), when the term “Cas9 protein” or “Cas9 polypeptide” is used, the description generally refers to any form of a subject variant Cas9 (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein, a chimeric Cas9 protein, etc.).

Fusion Partners/Chimeric Variant Cas9 Proteins

In some embodiments, a subject variant Cas9 protein is a chimeric Cas9 protein (also referred to herein as a fusion protein, e.g., a “Cas9 fusion protein”). A Cas9 fusion protein can bind and/or modify a target nucleic acid (e.g., cleave, methylate, demethylate, etc.). In some cases, a Cas9 fusion protein can modify a polypeptide associated with target nucleic acid (e.g., methylation, acetylation, etc., of, for example, a histone tail). For purposes of this disclosure, a “Cas9 fusion protein” is a subject variant Cas9 protein that is fused to a covalently linked heterologous polypeptide (also referred to as a “fusion partner”). In some cases, the heterologous protein exhibits (and therefore provides for) an activity (e.g., an enzymatic activity) that will also be exhibited by the Cas9 fusion protein (e.g., methyltransferase activity, acetyltransferase activity, kinase activity, ubiquitinating activity, etc.). When describing fusion partners, it is to be understood that fusion to the Cas9 protein can include fusion of an entire protein (an entire fusion partner protein) (e.g., an entire transcription activator or repressor protein); or can include fusion of a particular region and/or domain of the fusion partner to the Cas9 protein (e.g., fusion of a transcription activator or repressor domain from a fusion partner).

In some cases, the heterologous sequence provides for subcellular localization, i.e., the heterologous sequence is a subcellular localization sequence (e.g., a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for targeting to the nucleus, a sequence to keep the fusion protein out of the nucleus, e.g., a nuclear export sequence (NES), a sequence to keep the fusion protein retained in the cytoplasm, a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria, a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast, an ER retention signal, and the like). In some embodiments, a Cas9 protein does not include a NLS so that the protein is not targeted to the nucleus (which can be advantageous, e.g., when the target nucleic acid is an RNA that is present in the cytosol). In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can provide a tag (i.e., the heterologous sequence is a detectable label) for ease of tracking and/or purification (e.g., a fluorescent protein, e.g., green fluorescent protein (GFP), YFP, RFP, CFP, mCherry, tdTomato, and the like; a histidine tag, e.g., a 6×His tag; a hemagglutinin (HA) tag; a FLAG tag; a Myc tag; and the like). In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can provide for increased or decreased stability (i.e., the heterologous sequence is a stability control peptide, e.g., a degron, which in some cases is controllable (e.g., a temperature sensitive or drug controllable degron sequence, see below). In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can provide for increased or decreased transcription from the target nucleic acid (i.e., the heterologous sequence is a transcription modulation sequence, e.g., a transcription factor/activator or a fragment thereof, a protein or fragment thereof that recruits a transcription factor/activator, a transcription repressor or a fragment thereof, a protein or fragment thereof that recruits a transcription repressor, a small molecule/drug-responsive transcription regulator, etc.). In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can provide a binding domain (i.e., the heterologous sequence is a protein binding sequence, e.g., to provide the ability of a subject Cas9 fusion protein to bind to another protein of interest, e.g., a DNA or histone modifying protein, a transcription factor or transcription repressor, a recruiting protein, an RNA modification enzyme, an RNA-binding protein, a translation initiation factor, an RNA splicing factor, etc.). A heterologous nucleic acid sequence may be linked to another nucleic acid sequence (e.g., by genetic engineering) to generate a chimeric nucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric polypeptide.

A subject Cas9 fusion polypeptide (Cas9 fusion protein) can have multiple (1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, etc.) fusion partners in any combination of the above. As an illustrative example, a Cas9 fusion protein can have a heterologous sequence that provides an activity (e.g., for transcription modulation, target modification, modification of a protein associated with a target nucleic acid, etc.) and can also have a subcellular localization sequence (e.g., 1 or more NLSs). In some cases, such a Cas9 fusion protein might also have a tag for ease of tracking and/or purification (e.g., green fluorescent protein (GFP), YFP, RFP, CFP, mCherry, tdTomato, and the like; a histidine tag, e.g., a 6×His tag; a hemagglutinin (HA) tag; a FLAG tag; a Myc tag; and the like). As another illustrative example, a Cas9 protein can have one or more NLSs (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 NLSs). In some cases a fusion partner (or multiple fusion partners) (e.g., an NLS, a tag, a fusion partner providing an activity, etc.) is located at or near the C-terminus of Cas9. In some cases a fusion partner (or multiple fusion partners) (e.g., an NLS, a tag, a fusion partner providing an activity, etc.) is located at the N-terminus of Cas9. In some cases a Cas9 has a fusion partner (or multiple fusion partners)(e.g., an NLS, a tag, a fusion partner providing an activity, etc.) at both the N-terminus and C-terminus.

Suitable fusion partners that provide for increased or decreased stability include, but are not limited to degron sequences. Degrons are readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be amino acid sequences that control the stability of the protein of which they are part. For example, the stability of a protein comprising a degron sequence is controlled in part by the degron sequence. In some cases, a suitable degron is constitutive such that the degron exerts its influence on protein stability independent of experimental control (i.e., the degron is not drug inducible, temperature inducible, etc.) In some cases, the degron provides the variant Cas9 protein with controllable stability such that the variant Cas9 protein can be turned “on” (i.e., stable) or “off” (i.e., unstable, degraded) depending on the desired conditions. For example, if the degron is a temperature sensitive degron, the variant Cas9 protein may be functional (i.e., “on”, stable) below a threshold temperature (e.g., 42° C., 41° C., 40° C., 39° C., 38° C., 37° C., 36° C., 35° C., 34° C., 33° C., 32° C., 31° C., 30° C., etc.) but non-functional (i.e., “off”, degraded) above the threshold temperature. As another example, if the degron is a drug inducible degron, the presence or absence of drug can switch the protein from an “off” (i.e., unstable) state to an “on” (i.e., stable) state or vice versa. An exemplary drug inducible degron is derived from the FKBP12 protein. The stability of the degron is controlled by the presence or absence of a small molecule that binds to the degron.

Examples of suitable degrons include, but are not limited to those degrons controlled by Shield-1, DHFR, auxins, and/or temperature. Non-limiting examples of suitable degrons are known in the art (e.g., Dohmen et al., Science, 1994. 263(5151): p. 1273-1276: Heat-inducible degron: a method for constructing temperature-sensitive mutants; Schoeber et al., Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2009 January; 296(1):F204-11: Conditional fast expression and function of multimeric TRPV5 channels using Shield-1; Chu et al., Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2008 Nov. 15; 18(22):5941-4: Recent progress with FKBP-derived destabilizing domains; Kanemaki, Pflugers Arch. 2012 Dec. 28: Frontiers of protein expression control with conditional degrons; Yang et al., Mol Cell. 2012 Nov. 30; 48(4):487-8: Titivated for destruction: the methyl degron; Barbour et al., Biosci Rep. 2013 Jan. 18; 33(1): Characterization of the bipartite degron that regulates ubiquitin-independent degradation of thymidylate synthase; and Greussing et al., J Vis Exp. 2012 Nov. 10; (69): Monitoring of ubiquitin-proteasome activity in living cells using a Degron (dgn)-destabilized green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based reporter protein; all of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference).

Exemplary degron sequences have been well-characterized and tested in both cells and animals Thus, fusing a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) to a degron sequence produces a “tunable” and “inducible” Cas9 protein. Any of the fusion partners described herein can be used in any desirable combination. As one non-limiting example to illustrate this point, a Cas9 fusion protein (i.e., a chimeric Cas9 protein) can comprise a YFP sequence for detection, a degron sequence for stability, and transcription activator sequence to increase transcription of the target nucleic acid. A suitable reporter protein for use as a fusion partner for a Cas9 protein (e.g., wild type Cas9, variant Cas9, variant Cas9 with reduced nuclease function, etc.), includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary proteins (or functional fragment thereof): his3, β-galactosidase, a fluorescent protein (e.g., GFP, RFP, YFP, cherry, tomato, etc., and various derivatives thereof), luciferase, β-glucuronidase, and alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, the number of fusion partners that can be used in a Cas9 fusion protein is unlimited. In some cases, a Cas9 fusion protein comprises one or more (e.g. two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more) heterologous sequences.

Suitable fusion partners include, but are not limited to, a polypeptide that provides for methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, or demyristoylation activity, any of which can be directed at modifying nucleic acid directly (e.g., methylation of DNA or RNA) or at modifying a nucleic acid-associated polypeptide (e.g., a histone, a DNA binding protein, and RNA binding protein, and the like). Further suitable fusion partners include, but are not limited to boundary elements (e.g., CTCF), proteins and fragments thereof that provide periphery recruitment (e.g., Lamin A, Lamin B, etc.), and protein docking elements (e.g., FKBP/FRB, Pil1/Aby1, etc.).

Examples of various additional suitable fusion partners (or fragments thereof) for a subject variant Cas9 protein include, but are not limited to those listed in FIG. 4A-4D and are also described in the PCT patent applications: WO2010075303, WO2012068627, and WO2013155555 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Suitable fusion partners include, but are not limited to, a polypeptide that provides an activity that indirectly increases transcription by acting directly on the target nucleic acid or on a polypeptide (e.g., a histone, a DNA-binding protein, an RNA-binding protein, an RNA editing protein, etc.) associated with the target nucleic acid. Suitable fusion partners include, but are not limited to, a polypeptide that provides for methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, or demyristoylation activity.

Additional suitable fusion partners include, but are not limited to, a polypeptide that directly provides for increased transcription and/or translation of a target nucleic acid (e.g., a transcription activator or a fragment thereof, a protein or fragment thereof that recruits a transcription activator, a small molecule/drug-responsive transcription and/or translation regulator, a translation-regulating protein, etc.).

Examples of fusion partners to accomplish increased or decreased transcription include, but are not limited to: (e.g., GAL4, VP16, VP64, the Krüppel associated box (KRAB or SKD); the Mad mSIN3 interaction domain (SID); the ERF repressor domain (ERD), etc.). In some such cases, a Cas9 fusion protein is targeted by the Cas9 guide RNA to a specific location (i.e., sequence) in the target nucleic acid and exerts locus-specific regulation such as blocking RNA polymerase binding to a promoter (which selectively inhibits transcription activator function), increasing transcription, and/or modifying the local chromatin status (e.g., when a fusion sequence is used that modifies the target nucleic acid or modifies a polypeptide associated with the target nucleic acid). In some cases, the changes are transient (e.g., transcription repression or activation). In some cases, the changes are inheritable (e.g., when epigenetic modifications are made to the target nucleic acid or to proteins associated with the target nucleic acid, e.g., nucleosomal histones).

Non-limiting examples of fusion partners for use when targeting ssRNA target nucleic acids are listed in FIG. 4A and include (but are not limited to): splicing factors (e.g., RS domains); protein translation components (e.g., translation initiation, elongation, and/or release factors; e.g., eIF4G); RNA methylases; RNA editing enzymes (e.g., RNA deaminases, e.g., adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), including A to I and/or C to U editing enzymes); helicases; RNA-binding proteins; and the like. It is understood that a fusion partner can include the entire protein or in some cases can include a fragment of the protein (e.g., a functional domain).

In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can be fused to the C-terminus of the Cas9 protein. In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can be fused to the N-terminus of the Cas9 protein. In some embodiments, the heterologous sequence can be fused to an internal portion (i.e., a portion other than the N- or C-terminus) of the Cas9 protein.

In addition to the fusion partners listed in FIG. 4A the fusion partner of a Cas9 fusion protein can be any domain capable of interacting with ssRNA (which, for the purposes of this disclosure, includes intramolecular and/or intermolecular secondary structures, e.g., double-stranded RNA duplexes such as hairpins, stem-loops, etc.), whether transiently or irreversibly, directly or indirectly, including but not limited to an effector domain selected from the group comprising; Endonucleases (for example RNase III, the CRR22 DYW domain, Dicer, and PIN (PilT N-terminus) domains from proteins such as SMG5 and SMG6); proteins and protein domains responsible for stimulating RNA cleavage (for example CPSF, CstF, CFIm and CFIIm); Exonucleases (for example XRN-1 or Exonuclease T); Deadenylases (for example HNT3); proteins and protein domains responsible for nonsense mediated RNA decay (for example UPF1, UPF2, UPF3, UPF3b, RNP S1, Y14, DEK, REF2, and SRm160); proteins and protein domains responsible for stabilizing RNA (for example PABP); proteins and protein domains responsible for repressing translation (for example Ago2 and Ago4); proteins and protein domains responsible for stimulating translation (for example Staufen); proteins and protein domains responsible for (e.g., capable of) modulating translation (e.g., translation factors such as initiation factors, elongation factors, release factors, etc., e.g., eIF4G); proteins and protein domains responsible for polyadenylation of RNA (for example PAP1, GLD-2, and Star-PAP); proteins and protein domains responsible for polyuridinylation of RNA (for example CI D1 and terminal uridylate transferase); proteins and protein domains responsible for RNA localization (for example from IMP1, ZBP1, She2p, She3p, and Bicaudal-D); proteins and protein domains responsible for nuclear retention of RNA (for example Rrp6); proteins and protein domains responsible for nuclear export of RNA (for example TAP, NXF1, THO, TREX, REF, and Aly); proteins and protein domains responsible for repression of RNA splicing (for example PTB, Sam68, and hnRNP A1); proteins and protein domains responsible for stimulation of RNA splicing (for example Serine/Arginine-rich (SR) domains); proteins and protein domains responsible for reducing the efficiency of transcription (for example FUS (TLS)); and proteins and protein domains responsible for stimulating transcription (for example CDK7 and HIV Tat). Alternatively, the effector domain may be selected from the group comprising Endonucleases; proteins and protein domains capable of stimulating RNA cleavage; Exonucleases; Deadenylases; proteins and protein domains having nonsense mediated RNA decay activity; proteins and protein domains capable of stabilizing RNA; proteins and protein domains capable of repressing translation; proteins and protein domains capable of stimulating translation; proteins and protein domains capable of modulating translation (e.g., translation factors such as initiation factors, elongation factors, release factors, etc., e.g., eIF4G); proteins and protein domains capable of polyadenylation of RNA; proteins and protein domains capable of polyuridinylation of RNA; proteins and protein domains having RNA localization activity; proteins and protein domains capable of nuclear retention of RNA; proteins and protein domains having RNA nuclear export activity; proteins and protein domains capable of repression of RNA splicing; proteins and protein domains capable of stimulation of RNA splicing; proteins and protein domains capable of reducing the efficiency of transcription; and proteins and protein domains capable of stimulating transcription. Another suitable fusion partner is a PUF RNA-binding domain, which is described in more detail in WO2012068627.

Some RNA splicing factors that can be used (in whole or as fragments thereof) as fusion partners for a Cas9 polypeptide have modular organization, with separate sequence-specific RNA binding modules and splicing effector domains. For example, members of the Serine/Arginine-rich (SR) protein family contain N-terminal RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) that bind to exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) in pre-mRNAs and C-terminal RS domains that promote exon inclusion. As another example, the hnRNP protein hnRNP A1 binds to exonic splicing silencers (ESSs) through its RRM domains and inhibits exon inclusion through a C-terminal Glycine-rich domain Some splicing factors can regulate alternative use of splice site (ss) by binding to regulatory sequences between the two alternative sites. For example, ASF/SF2 can recognize ESEs and promote the use of intron proximal sites, whereas hnRNP A1 can bind to ESSs and shift splicing towards the use of intron distal sites. One application for such factors is to generate ESFs that modulate alternative splicing of endogenous genes, particularly disease associated genes. For example, Bcl-x pre-mRNA produces two splicing isoforms with two alternative 5′ splice sites to encode proteins of opposite functions. The long splicing isoform Bcl-xL is a potent apoptosis inhibitor expressed in long-lived post mitotic cells and is up-regulated in many cancer cells, protecting cells against apoptotic signals. The short isoform Bcl-xS is a pro-apoptotic isoform and expressed at high levels in cells with a high turnover rate (e.g., developing lymphocytes). The ratio of the two Bcl-x splicing isoforms is regulated by multiple c{acute over (ω)}-elements that are located in either the core exon region or the exon extension region (i.e., between the two alternative 5′ splice sites). For more examples, see WO2010075303.

In some embodiments, a subject variant Cas9 protein can be linked to a heterologous polypeptide (a heterologous amino acid sequence) via a linker polypeptide (e.g., one or more linker polypeptides). As non-limiting examples, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: (a) a heterologous polypeptide and an N-terminal region of a variant Cas9 protein (which would place the heterologous polypeptide at or near the N-terminus of the variant Cas9 protein; (b) a heterologous polypeptide and a C-terminal region of a variant Cas9 protein (which would place the heterologous polypeptide at or near the C-terminus of the variant Cas9 protein; (c) a heterologous polypeptide and a region of the variant Cas9 protein that is N-terminal to the HNH domain (which would place the heterologous polypeptide at or near N-terminal region of the HNH-domain); (d) a heterologous polypeptide and a region of the variant Cas9 protein that is C-terminal to the HNH domain (which would place the fusion partner at or near C-terminal region of the HNH-domain); (e) a heterologous polypeptide and a region of the HNH domain (which would place the heterologous polypeptide within the HNH domain) In some cases, a linker polypeptide is positioned between the heterologous polypeptide and a subject variant Cas9 protein at both the N- and C-terminal ends of the heterologous polypeptide (e.g., if the heterologous polypeptide is inserted within a subject variant Cas9 protein, in which case there may be no linker polypeptides, one linker polypeptide, or two linker polypeptides between the heterologous polypeptide and the variant Cas9 protein).

The linker polypeptide may have any of a variety of amino acid sequences. Proteins can be joined by a spacer peptide, generally of a flexible nature, although other chemical linkages are not excluded. Suitable linkers include polypeptides of between about 6 amino acids and about 40 amino acids in length, or between about 6 amino acids and about 25 amino acids in length. These linkers are generally produced by using synthetic, linker-encoding oligonucleotides to couple the proteins. Peptide linkers with a degree of flexibility will generally be preferred. The linking peptides may have virtually any amino acid sequence, bearing in mind that the preferred linkers will have a sequence that results in a generally flexible peptide. The use of small amino acids, such as glycine and alanine, are of use in creating a flexible peptide. The creation of such sequences is routine to those of skill in the art. A variety of different linkers are commercially available and are considered suitable for use.

Exemplary linker polypeptides include glycine polymers (G)_(n), glycine-serine polymers (including, for example, (GS)_(n), GSGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1548), GGSGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1620), and GGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1549), where n is an integer of at least one), glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers. Exemplary linkers can comprise amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1550), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 1551), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1552), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO: 1553), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1554), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO: 1555), and the like. The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that design of a peptide conjugated to any elements described above can include linkers that are all or partially flexible, such that the linker can include a flexible linker as well as one or more portions that confer less flexible structure.

Cas9 Heterodimers

In some cases, a subject variant Cas9 protein (e.g., as described above, e.g., having a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region; having a deletion within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity; having an insertion within the HNH domain of a heterologous amino acid sequence; etc.) is also a Cas9 heterodimer. Thus, it is to be understood that the description of various embodiments of Cas9 heterodimers below can also include the features of a subject variant Cas9 protein (e.g., as described above, e.g., having a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region; having a deletion within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity; having an insertion within the HNH domain of a heterologous amino acid sequence; etc.).

A Cas9 heterodimer comprises two polypeptides, where the two polypeptides are not covalently linked to one another. A Cas9 heterodimer is also referred to herein as a “heterodimeric Cas9 complex” and/or or a “split Cas9 protein” and/or or a “heterodimeric Cas9 protein.” A Cas9 heterodimer can include a first fusion polypeptide comprising a first polypeptide (e.g., a Cas9 nuclease lobe) covalently linked (directly or via a linker) to a first fusion partner; and a second fusion polypeptide comprising a second polypeptide (e.g., a Cas9 alpha-helical lobe) covalently linked (directly or via a linker) to a second fusion partner. In some cases, the first polypeptide (e.g., a Cas9 nuclease lobe) is circularly permuted (i.e., in some cases, the first polypeptide is a circular permutant).

A Cas9 heterodimer comprises two polypeptides that can interact to form a complex (i.e., to form the heterodimeric Cas9 protein). A Cas9 heterodimer is also referred to herein as a “split Cas9” or a “split Cas9 protein.” The fusion partners present in the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide can be induced to dimerize (e.g., by a dimerizing agent). When the fusion partners present in the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide dimerize, the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide dimerize. In the absence of a dimerizing agent, and in the absence of a guide RNA that includes a stem loop 2 and/or a stem loop 3, the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide do not dimerize. When the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide dimerize, the Cas9 heterodimer, together with a truncated guide RNA (e.g., a guide RNA that does not include stem loop 2 and/or stem loop 3), can bind a target nucleic acid (an in some cases modify, e.g., cleave or otherwise modify the target nucleic acid). A Cas9 heterodimer and a truncated guide RNA form a “Cas9 heterodimer system,” described herein. A Cas9 heterodimer system can bind to a target nucleic acid. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer system can bind to a target nucleic acid and cleave a PAMmer (e.g., a quenched PAMmer) that is hybridized to the target nucleic acid. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer system can bind to a target nucleic acid and cleave the target nucleic acid. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer system can bind to a target nucleic acid and modify the target nucleic acid. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer system can bind to a target nucleic acid and modulate transcription of/from the target nucleic acid.

A subject Cas9 heterodimer (a split Cas9 protein) includes a first polypeptide (where the first polypeptide includes a Cas9 nuclease lobe) and a second polypeptide (where the second polypeptide includes a Cas9 alpha-helical lobe). A nuclease lobe includes: (i) a RuvC domain, where a RuvC domain comprises a RuvCI polypeptide, a RuvCII polypeptide, and a RuvCIII polypeptide; (ii) an HNH domain (also referred to as an HNH polypeptide); and (iii) a PAM-interacting domain (also referred to as a “PAM-interacting polypeptide”). A nuclease lobe can also include a RuvC/HNH linker region (as described above). In some cases, the RuvC/HNH linker region is disrupted (as described above). A Cas9 alpha-helical lobe is also referred to as an “alpha-helical recognition region.”

Cas9 Heterodimers with Nuclease Lobe and Alpha-Helical Lobe

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of a dimerization pair.

First Fusion Polypeptide

As noted above, in some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of a dimerization pair.

A RuvCI polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 amino acids to 60 amino acids of amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 amino acids). For example, in some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide can have at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 2-56 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346.

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 57 amino acids of amino acids 718-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 65 amino acids, or from 65 amino acids to 70 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 718-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 55-60 (e.g., 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60) amino acids.

In some cases, a short alpha-helix (5717-L727 in the S. pyogenes Cas9 set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1545) can be removed, e.g., to minimize the distance between the end of RuvCI and the beginning of RuvCII. In some cases, a short alpha-helix (5717-L727 in the S. pyogenes Cas9 t forth as SEQ ID NO: 1545) is removed and the RuvCI polypeptide is connected to the RuvCII polypeptide with a linker (e.g., a glycine-serine-serine linker, and as described elsewhere).

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 46 amino acids of amino acids 729-775 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, or from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 728-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 45-50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) amino acids.

An HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 100 to 134 amino acids of amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 90 amino acids to 150 amino acids, e.g., from 90 amino acids to 95 amino acids, from 95 to amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 125 amino acids, from 125 amino acids to 130 amino acids, from 130 amino acids to 135 amino acids, from 135 amino acids to 140 amino acids, from 140 amino acids to 145 amino acids, or from 145 amino acids to 150 amino acids. In some cases, an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 130 amino acids to 140 amino acids (e.g., 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, or 140 amino acids).

A RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 150 amino acids to 190 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 150 amino acids to 160 amino acids, from 160 amino acids to 170 amino acids, from 170 amino acids to 180 amino acids, from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids, from 190 amino acids to 200 amino acids, from 200 amino acids to 210 amino acids, or from 210 amino acids to 220 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids (e.g., 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, or 190 amino acids).

A PAM-interacting polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 200 amino acids to 268 amino acids of amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 240 amino acids to 280 amino acids, e.g., from 240 amino acids to 250 amino acids, from 250 amino acids to 260 amino acids, from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids, or from 270 amino acids to 280 amino acids. In some cases, a PAM-interacting polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids (e.g., 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, or 270 amino acids).

Heterologous Subcellular Localization Sequences

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., an NLS for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus.

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises an NLS. For example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; and c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises an NLS. For example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises an NLS. For example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and c) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; c) a first fusion partner; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

Fusion Partner at or Near N-Terminus of First Fusion Polypeptide

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first fusion partner; and b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and a RuvCI polypeptide; c) a RuvCI polypeptide and a RuvCII polypeptide; and d) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and an NLS.

The linker polypeptide may have any of a variety of amino acid sequences. Proteins can be joined by a spacer peptide, generally of a flexible nature, although other chemical linkages are not excluded. Suitable linkers include polypeptides of between about 6 amino acids and about 40 amino acids in length, or between about 6 amino acids and about 25 amino acids in length. These linkers are generally produced by using synthetic, linker-encoding oligonucleotides to couple the proteins. Peptide linkers with a degree of flexibility will generally be preferred. The linking peptides may have virtually any amino acid sequence, bearing in mind that the preferred linkers will have a sequence that results in a generally flexible peptide. The use of small amino acids, such as glycine and alanine, are of use in creating a flexible peptide. The creation of such sequences is routine to those of skill in the art. A variety of different linkers are commercially available and are considered suitable for use.

Exemplary polypeptide linkers include glycine polymers (G)_(n), glycine-serine polymers (including, for example, (GS)_(n), GSGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1548) and GGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1549), where n is an integer of at least one), glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers. Exemplary linkers can comprise amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1550), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 1551), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1552), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO: 1553), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1554), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO: 1555), and the like. The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that design of a peptide conjugated to any elements described above can include linkers that are all or partially flexible, such that the linker can include a flexible linker as well as one or more portions that confer less flexible structure.

Fusion Partner at or Near C-Terminus of First Fusion Polypeptide

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner.

In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a RuvCI polypeptide; b) a RuvCI polypeptide and a RuvCII polypeptide; c) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and an NLS; d) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and a second fusion partner; and e) a fusion partner and an NLS. Suitable linker polypeptides are as described above.

Fusion Partner Located Internally Within First Fusion Polypeptide

In some cases, the fusion partner is located internally with the first polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted within the HNH polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted within the RuvCIII polypeptide.

Fusion Partner Inserted into HNH Polypeptide

In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted within the HNH polypeptide. The HNH polypeptide of S. pyogenes Cas9 is amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545. For example, in some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted in a site within amino acids 800 to 900 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. For example, in some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at or near amino acid 868 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 868 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 860 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 861 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 862 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 863 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 864 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 865 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 866 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 867 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 869 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 870 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 871 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 872 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 873 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 874 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 875 of amino acids 776-909 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346.

As one non-limiting example, the first fusion polypeptide can comprise, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

An N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 80 amino acids to 92 amino acids of amino acids 776 to 867 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 80 amino acids to 110 amino acids, e.g., from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids, from 90 amino acids to 100 amino acids, or from 100 amino acids to 110 amino acids. In some cases, an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776 to 867 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 85 amino acids to 95 amino acids (85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95 amino acids). An N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 50 amino acids to 66 amino acids of amino acids 776-841 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 50 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids.

A C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 35 to 42 amino acids of amino acids 868-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 35 to 42 amino acids (e.g., 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, or 42 amino acids). A C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 50 amino acids to 67 amino acids of amino acids 842-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 50 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids.

For example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 860 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 861 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 861 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 862 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 862 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 863 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 863 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 864 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 864 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 865 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 865 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 866 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 866 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 867 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 867 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 868 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 868 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 869 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 869 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 870 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 870 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 871 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 871 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 872 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 872 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 873 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 873 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 874 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 719 to 874 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; iv) a first fusion partner; v) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 875 to 909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; vi) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

Fusion Partner Inserted Within RuvCIII Polypeptide

In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted within the RuvCIII polypeptide. The RuvCIII polypeptide of S. pyogenes Cas9 is amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545. For example, in some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted in a site within amino acids 950 to 1060 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. For example, in some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at or near amino acid 1016 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1016 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1010 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1011 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1012 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1013 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1014 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1015 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1017 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1018 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1019 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1020 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1021 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1022 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1023 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1024 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346. In some cases, the first fusion partner is inserted at amino acid 1025 of amino acids 910-1099 of the amino acid sequence of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346.

As one non-limiting example, the first fusion polypeptide can comprise, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

An N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 80 amino acids to 106 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1015 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 80 amino acids to 120 amino acids, from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids, from 90 amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 110 amino acids, or from 110 amino acids to 120 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1015 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 100 amino acids to 106 amino acids (e.g., 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, or 110 amino acids).

A C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 75 amino acids to 84 amino acids of amino acids 1016 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 70 amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids, from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids, or from 90 amino acids to 100 amino acids. In some cases, a C-terminal RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1016 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids (e.g., 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 amino acids).

For example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1010 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1011-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1011 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1012-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1012 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1013-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1013 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1014-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1014 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1015-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1015 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1016-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1016 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1017-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1017 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1018-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1018 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1019-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1019 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1020-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1020 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1021-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1021 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1022-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1022 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1023-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1023 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1024-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

As another example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1024 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; v) a first fusion partner; vi) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1025-1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and vii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide.

Second Fusion Polypeptide

In some cases, the second polypeptide of a Cas9 heterodimer comprises an α-helical lobe (also referred to as “an alpha-helical recognition region”) of a Cas9 polypeptide. For example, in some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 400 amino acids to 658 amino acids of amino acids 61 to 718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 400 amino acids to 800 amino acids, e.g., from 400 amino acids to 450 amino acids, from 450 amino acids to 500 amino acids, from 500 amino acids to 550 amino acids, from 550 amino acids to 600 amino acids, from 600 amino acids to 650 amino acids, from 650 amino acids to 700 amino acids, from 700 amino acids to 750 amino acids, or from 750 amino acids to 800 amino acids. In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 61-718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 650 amino acids to 660 amino acids (e.g., 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, or 660 amino acids).

In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 400 amino acids to 624 amino acids of amino acids 95 to 718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from about 400 amino acids to 800 amino acids, e.g., from 400 amino acids to 450 amino acids, from 450 amino acids to 500 amino acids, from 500 amino acids to 550 amino acids, from 550 amino acids to 600 amino acids, from 600 amino acids to 650 amino acids, from 650 amino acids to 700 amino acids, from 700 amino acids to 750 amino acids, or from 750 amino acids to 800 amino acids. In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 95 to 718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 620 amino acids to 630 amino acids (e.g., 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, or 630 amino acids).

In some cases, G56 (of the S. pyogenes sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545) can be selected as the N-terminus for the alpha-helical lobe (e.g., due to its location in a poorly-conserved linker just before the arginine-rich bridge helix, which has been shown to be critical for Cas9 cleavage activity in human cells). In some cases, the second polypeptide of a Cas9 heterodimer comprises an α-helical lobe (also referred to as “an alpha-helical recognition region”) of a Cas9 polypeptide. For example, in some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 400 amino acids to 658 amino acids of amino acids 56 to 714 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 400 amino acids to 800 amino acids, e.g., from 400 amino acids to 450 amino acids, from 450 amino acids to 500 amino acids, from 500 amino acids to 550 amino acids, from 550 amino acids to 600 amino acids, from 600 amino acids to 650 amino acids, from 650 amino acids to 700 amino acids, from 700 amino acids to 750 amino acids, or from 750 amino acids to 800 amino acids. In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 56-714 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 650 amino acids to 660 amino acids (e.g., 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, or 660 amino acids).

In some cases, the C-terminus of the alpha-helical lobe can be at the beginning, end, or within the linker between the two lobes of the WT Cas9 protein. For example, the C-terminus of the alpha-helical lobe can be at or near 5714 of the WT Cas9 protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545. For example, the C-terminus of the alpha-helical lobe can be 5714 of the WT Cas9 protein set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545.

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a second fusion partner; and b) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner.

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., an NLS for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus.

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises an NLS. For example, in some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second fusion partner; and c) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second fusion partner; c) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and c) a second fusion partner. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; c) a second fusion partner; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and an alpha-helical lobe; and c) an alpha-helical lobe and an NLS. Suitable linker polypeptides are described elsewhere herein.

Cas9 Heterodimer Comprising a Circularly Permuted Polypeptide

In some embodiments, the Cas9 nuclease lobe of a Cas9 heterodimer is a circular permutant. As used herein, the term “circular permutant” refers to a variant polypeptide (e.g., of a subject Cas9 heterodimer) in which one section of the primary amino acid sequence has been moved to a different position within the primary amino acid sequence of the polypeptide, but where the local order of amino acids has not been changed, and where the three dimensional architecture of the protein is conserved. For example, a circular permutant of a wild type 500 amino acid polypeptide may have an N-terminal residue of residue number 50 (relative to the wild type protein), where residues 1-49 of the wild type protein are added the C-terminus. Such a circular permutant, relative to the wild type protein sequence would have, from N-terminus to C-terminus, amino acid numbers 50-500 followed by 1-49 (amino acid 49 would be the C-terminal residue). Thus, such an example circular permutant would have the same total number of amino acids as the wild type reference protein, and the amino acids would even be in the same order (locally), but the overall primary amino acid sequence is changed.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: a) a first, circularly permuted, polypeptide comprising: a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; where the first polypeptide comprises a first member of a dimerization pair; and b) a second polypeptide comprising an alpha-helical recognition region and a second member of a dimerization pair.

For example, in some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of the dimerization pair.

First Fusion Polypeptide

As described above, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of the dimerization pair. In some cases, the first fusion partner (first member of the dimerization pair) is covalently linked, directly or via a linker, at or near (e.g., within 1 to 50 amino acids of) the amino terminus (N-terminus) of the first, circular permuted, polypeptide. In some cases, the first member of the dimerization pair is covalently linked, directly or via a linker, at or near (e.g., within 1 to 50 amino acids of) the carboxyl terminus (C-terminus) of the first, circular permuted, polypeptide. In some cases, the first polypeptide comprises a nuclease lobe of a Cas9 polypeptide.

In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. A linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of the various possible components (polypeptides) of a first fusion polypeptide. Examples of suitable positions for a linker polypeptide include, but are not limited to, interposed between: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and a RuvCII polypeptide; c) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and a RuvCI polypeptide; d) a RuvCI polypeptide and an NLS; e) a RuvCI polypeptide and a fusion partner; and f) a RuvCI polypeptide and a RuvCII polypeptide.

The linker polypeptide may have any of a variety of amino acid sequences. Proteins can be joined by a spacer peptide, generally of a flexible nature, although other chemical linkages are not excluded. Currently, it is contemplated that the most useful linker sequences will generally be peptides of between about 6 and about 40 amino acids in length, or between about 6 and about 25 amino acids in length. These linkers are generally produced by using synthetic, linker-encoding oligonucleotides to couple the proteins. Peptide linkers with a degree of flexibility will generally be preferred. The linking peptides may have virtually any amino acid sequence, bearing in mind that the preferred linkers will have a sequence that results in a generally flexible peptide. The use of small amino acids, such as glycine and alanine, are of use in creating a flexible peptide. The creation of such sequences is routine to those of skill in the art. A variety of different linkers are commercially available and are considered suitable for use.

Exemplary polypeptide linkers include glycine polymers (G)_(n), glycine-serine polymers (including, for example, (GS)_(n), GSGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1548) and GGGS_(n) (SEQ ID NO: 1549), where n is an integer of at least one), glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers. Exemplary linkers can comprise amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1550), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO: 1551), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1552), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO: 1553), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO: 1554), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO: 1555), and the like. The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that design of a peptide conjugated to any elements described above can include linkers that are all or partially flexible, such that the linker can include a flexible linker as well as one or more portions that confer less flexible structure.

Cas9 Nuclease Lobe Circular Permutant 1

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first fusion partner; and b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. Suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described herein.

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a nuclear localization signal (NLS). For example, in some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; and c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide; and c) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide; b) a first fusion partner; and c) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first fusion partner; b a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCII polypeptide; ii) an HNH polypeptide; iii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iv) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and v) a RuvCI polypeptide; and c) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 57 amino acids of amino acids 718-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 65 amino acids, or from 65 amino acids to 70 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 718-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 55-60 (e.g., 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60) amino acids.

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 46 amino acids of amino acids 729-775 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, or from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 728-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 45-50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) amino acids.

An HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 100 to 134 amino acids of amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 90 amino acids to 150 amino acids, e.g., from 90 amino acids to 95 amino acids, from 95 to amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 125 amino acids, from 125 amino acids to 130 amino acids, from 130 amino acids to 135 amino acids, from 135 amino acids to 140 amino acids, from 140 amino acids to 145 amino acids, or from 145 amino acids to 150 amino acids. In some cases, an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 130 amino acids to 140 amino acids (e.g., 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, or 140 amino acids).

A RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 150 amino acids to 190 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 150 amino acids to 160 amino acids, from 160 amino acids to 170 amino acids, from 170 amino acids to 180 amino acids, from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids, from 190 amino acids to 200 amino acids, from 200 amino acids to 210 amino acids, or from 210 amino acids to 220 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids (e.g., 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, or 190 amino acids).

A PAM-interacting polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 200 amino acids to 268 amino acids of amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 240 amino acids to 280 amino acids, e.g., from 240 amino acids to 250 amino acids, from 250 amino acids to 260 amino acids, from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids, or from 270 amino acids to 280 amino acids. In some cases, a PAM-interacting polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids (e.g., 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, or 270 amino acids).

A RuvCI polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 amino acids to 60 amino acids of amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 amino acids).

Cas9 Nuclease Lobe Circular Permutant 2

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first fusion partner; and b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; v) a RuvCI polypeptide; vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; v) a RuvCI polypeptide; vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. Suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described herein.

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a nuclear localization signal (NLS).

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; and c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; v) a RuvCI polypeptide; vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; v) a RuvCI polypeptide; vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; b) a first fusion partner; and c) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; v) a RuvCI polypeptide; vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and a C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide; c) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and a RuvCI polypeptide; and d) an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide and a fusion partner. Suitable linker polypeptides are as described above.

A C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 35 to 42 amino acids of amino acids 868-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 35 to 42 amino acids (e.g., 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, or 42 amino acids). A C-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 50 amino acids to 67 amino acids of amino acids 842-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 50 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids.

An N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 80 amino acids to 92 amino acids of amino acids 776 to 867 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 80 amino acids to 110 amino acids, e.g., from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids, from 90 amino acids to 100 amino acids, or from 100 amino acids to 110 amino acids. In some cases, an N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776 to 867 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 85 amino acids to 95 amino acids (85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95 amino acids). An N-terminal portion of an HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 50 amino acids to 66 amino acids of amino acids 776-841 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 50 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids.

A RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 150 amino acids to 190 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 150 amino acids to 160 amino acids, from 160 amino acids to 170 amino acids, from 170 amino acids to 180 amino acids, from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids, from 190 amino acids to 200 amino acids, from 200 amino acids to 210 amino acids, or from 210 amino acids to 220 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids (e.g., 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, or 190 amino acids).

A PAM-interacting polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 200 amino acids to 268 amino acids of amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 240 amino acids to 280 amino acids, e.g., from 240 amino acids to 250 amino acids, from 250 amino acids to 260 amino acids, from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids, or from 270 amino acids to 280 amino acids. In some cases, a PAM-interacting polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids (e.g., 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, or 270 amino acids).

A RuvCI polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 amino acids to 60 amino acids of amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 amino acids).

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 46 amino acids of amino acids 729-775 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, or from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 728-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 45-50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) amino acids.

Cas9 Nuclease Lobe Circular Permutant 3

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first fusion partner; and b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iv) a RuvCI polypeptide; and vi) a RuvCII polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iv) a RuvCI polypeptide; and vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. Suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described herein.

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a nuclear localization signal (NLS).

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; and c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iv) a RuvCI polypeptide; and vi) a RuvCII polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iv) a RuvCI polypeptide; and vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; b) a first fusion partner; and c) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) an HNH polypeptide; ii) a RuvCIII polypeptide; iii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iv) a RuvCI polypeptide; and vi) a RuvCII polypeptide; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and an HNH polypeptide; c) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and a RuvCI polypeptide; and d) a RuvCII polypeptide and a fusion partner. Suitable linker polypeptides are as described above.

A RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 150 amino acids to 190 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 150 amino acids to 160 amino acids, from 160 amino acids to 170 amino acids, from 170 amino acids to 180 amino acids, from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids, from 190 amino acids to 200 amino acids, from 200 amino acids to 210 amino acids, or from 210 amino acids to 220 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids (e.g., 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, or 190 amino acids).

A PAM-interacting polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 200 amino acids to 268 amino acids of amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 240 amino acids to 280 amino acids, e.g., from 240 amino acids to 250 amino acids, from 250 amino acids to 260 amino acids, from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids, or from 270 amino acids to 280 amino acids. In some cases, a PAM-interacting polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids (e.g., 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, or 270 amino acids).

A RuvCI polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 amino acids to 60 amino acids of amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 amino acids).

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 46 amino acids of amino acids 729-775 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, or from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 728-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 45-50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) amino acids.

An HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 100 to 134 amino acids of amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 90 amino acids to 150 amino acids, e.g., from 90 amino acids to 95 amino acids, from 95 to amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 125 amino acids, from 125 amino acids to 130 amino acids, from 130 amino acids to 135 amino acids, from 135 amino acids to 140 amino acids, from 140 amino acids to 145 amino acids, or from 145 amino acids to 150 amino acids. In some cases, an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 130 amino acids to 140 amino acids (e.g., 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, or 140 amino acids).

Cas9 Nuclease Lobe Circular Permutant 4

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first fusion partner; and b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; and v) an HNH polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; and v) an HNH polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. Suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described herein.

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., a nuclear localization signal (NLS) for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises a nuclear localization signal (NLS).

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; and c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; and v) an HNH polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; and v) an HNH polypeptide; b) a first fusion partner; and c) a fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a first fusion partner; c) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; and v) an HNH polypeptide; d) an NLS. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and a RuvCIII polypeptide; c) a PAM-interacting polypeptide and a RuvCI polypeptide; and d) an HNH polypeptide and a fusion partner. Suitable linker polypeptides are as described above.

A RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 150 amino acids to 190 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 150 amino acids to 160 amino acids, from 160 amino acids to 170 amino acids, from 170 amino acids to 180 amino acids, from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids, from 190 amino acids to 200 amino acids, from 200 amino acids to 210 amino acids, or from 210 amino acids to 220 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 180 amino acids to 190 amino acids (e.g., 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, or 190 amino acids).

A PAM-interacting polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 200 amino acids to 268 amino acids of amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 240 amino acids to 280 amino acids, e.g., from 240 amino acids to 250 amino acids, from 250 amino acids to 260 amino acids, from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids, or from 270 amino acids to 280 amino acids. In some cases, a PAM-interacting polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids (e.g., 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, or 270 amino acids).

A RuvCI polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 amino acids to 60 amino acids of amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 amino acids).

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 46 amino acids of amino acids 729-775 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, or from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 728-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 45-50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) amino acids.

An HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 100 to 134 amino acids of amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 90 amino acids to 150 amino acids, e.g., from 90 amino acids to 95 amino acids, from 95 to amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 125 amino acids, from 125 amino acids to 130 amino acids, from 130 amino acids to 135 amino acids, from 135 amino acids to 140 amino acids, from 140 amino acids to 145 amino acids, or from 145 amino acids to 150 amino acids. In some cases, an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 130 amino acids to 140 amino acids (e.g., 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, or 140 amino acids).

Cas9 Nuclease Lobe Circular Permutant 5

In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus:

a) a first fusion partner; and b) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; v) an HNH polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide. In some cases, the first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide; ii) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; iii) a RuvCI polypeptide; iv) a RuvCII polypeptide; v) an HNH polypeptide; and vi) an N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner. In some cases, the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair. Suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described elsewhere herein.

A C-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 75 amino acids to 84 amino acids of amino acids 1016 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 70 amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids, from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids, or from 90 amino acids to 100 amino acids. In some cases, a C-terminal RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1016 to 1099 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids (e.g., 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 amino acids).

An N-terminal portion of a RuvCIII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 80 amino acids to 106 amino acids of amino acids 910 to 1015 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 80 amino acids to 120 amino acids, from 80 amino acids to 90 amino acids, from 90 amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 110 amino acids, or from 110 amino acids to 120 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCIII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 910 to 1015 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 100 amino acids to 106 amino acids (e.g., 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, or 110 amino acids).

A PAM-interacting polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 200 amino acids to 268 amino acids of amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 240 amino acids to 280 amino acids, e.g., from 240 amino acids to 250 amino acids, from 250 amino acids to 260 amino acids, from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids, or from 270 amino acids to 280 amino acids. In some cases, a PAM-interacting polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1100 to 1367 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 260 amino acids to 270 amino acids (e.g., 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, or 270 amino acids).

A RuvCI polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 amino acids to 60 amino acids of amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to 80 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids, from 60 amino acids to 70 amino acids, or from 70 amino acids to 80 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCI polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 1-60 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 50 amino acids to 60 amino acids (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60 amino acids).

A RuvCII polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 40 to 46 amino acids of amino acids 729-775 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, e.g., from 40 amino acids to 45 amino acids, from 45 amino acids to 50 amino acids, from 50 amino acids to 55 amino acids, or from 55 amino acids to 60 amino acids. In some cases, a RuvCII polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 728-774 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of 45-50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50) amino acids.

An HNH polypeptide can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 100 to 134 amino acids of amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 90 amino acids to 150 amino acids, e.g., from 90 amino acids to 95 amino acids, from 95 to amino acids to 100 amino acids, from 100 amino acids to 125 amino acids, from 125 amino acids to 130 amino acids, from 130 amino acids to 135 amino acids, from 135 amino acids to 140 amino acids, from 140 amino acids to 145 amino acids, or from 145 amino acids to 150 amino acids. In some cases, an HNH polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 776-909 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 130 amino acids to 140 amino acids (e.g., 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, or 140 amino acids).

Examples of First Fusion Polypeptides

In some embodiments, a first fusion polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-829 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph. In some cases, the fusion partner is linked, directly or via a linker, to the N-terminus of the polypeptide. For example, in some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a fusion partner; and b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-829 of the amino acid sequence amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph. Suitable fusion partners include a first member of a dimerization pair, where suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described elsewhere herein. In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a fusion partner; and c) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-829 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph. In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a fusion partner; c) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-829 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph; and d) a fusion partner.

(SEQ ID NO: 1621) MDYKDHDGDYKDHDIDYKDDDDKMAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAASIAATLENDL ARLENENARLEKDIANLERDLAKLEREEAYFGGSGGSGGSASGQGDSLHE HIANLAGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDELVKVMGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQK GQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHPVENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDM YVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFLKDDSIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSDNVPS EEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNLTKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQLV ETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQF YKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMI AKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEI VWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIAR KKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERS SFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQK GNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQ ISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPA AFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGDGSGG SGGSGGSGGSGGSGGSGGSGGVDDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVP SKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGALLFDSGEKRPAATKKAGQAKKKK

In some embodiments, a first fusion polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-820 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph. In some cases, the fusion partner is linked, directly or via a linker, to the N-terminus of the polypeptide. For example, in some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a fusion partner; and b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-820 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph. Suitable fusion partners include a first member of a dimerization pair, where suitable first members of a dimerization pair are described elsewhere herein. In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a fusion partner; and c) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-820 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph. In some cases, a first fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a fusion partner; c) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 82-820 of the amino acid sequence depicted in the following paragraph; and d) a fusion partner.

(SEQ ID NO: 1622) MDYKDHDGDYKDHDIDYKDDDDKMAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAASIAATLENDL ARLENENARLEKDIANLERDLAKLEREEAYFGGSGGSGGSASGQGDNVPS EEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKFDNLTKAERGGLSELDKAGFIKRQLV ETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITLKSKLVSDFRKDFQF YKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPKLESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMI AKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKTEITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEI VWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVNIVKKTEVQTGGFSKESILPKRNSDKLIAR KKDWDPKKYGGFDSPTVAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERS SFEKNPIDFLEAKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQK GNELALPSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQ ISEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNLGAPA AFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLSQLGGDGSGG SGGSGGSGGSGGSGGSGGSGGVDDKKYSIGLDIGTNSVGWAVITDEYKVP SKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGALLFDSGGSSGSPAIKKGILQTVKVVDEL VKVMGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSRERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILK EHPVENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMYVDQELDINRLSDYDVDHIVPQSFL KDDSIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSEKRPAATKKAGQAKKKK.

Second Fusion Polypeptide

As described above, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region (e.g., an alpha helical lobe); and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of the dimerization pair. In some cases, the fusion partner is at or near (e.g., within the first 50 amino acids of the N-terminus) the N-terminus of the second polypeptide. In some cases, the fusion partner is at or near (e.g., within the first 50 amino acids of the C-terminus) the C-terminus of the second polypeptide. In some cases, the fusion partner is located internally within the second fusion polypeptide.

In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an α-helical lobe (also referred to as “an alpha-helical recognition region”) of a Cas9 polypeptide. For example, in some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 400 amino acids to 658 amino acids of amino acids 61 to 718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and can have a length of from 400 amino acids to 800 amino acids, e.g., from 400 amino acids to 450 amino acids, from 450 amino acids to 500 amino acids, from 500 amino acids to 550 amino acids, from 550 amino acids to 600 amino acids, from 600 amino acids to 650 amino acids, from 650 amino acids to 700 amino acids, from 700 amino acids to 750 amino acids, or from 750 amino acids to 800 amino acids. In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 61-718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 650 amino acids to 660 amino acids (e.g., 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, or 660 amino acids).

In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to a contiguous stretch of from 400 amino acids to 624 amino acids of amino acids 95 to 718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from about 400 amino acids to 800 amino acids, e.g., from 400 amino acids to 450 amino acids, from 450 amino acids to 500 amino acids, from 500 amino acids to 550 amino acids, from 550 amino acids to 600 amino acids, from 600 amino acids to 650 amino acids, from 650 amino acids to 700 amino acids, from 700 amino acids to 750 amino acids, or from 750 amino acids to 800 amino acids. In some cases, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity to amino acids 95 to 718 of the S. pyogenes Cas9 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1545, or a corresponding segment of a Cas9 polypeptide amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-259 and 795-1346; and has a length of from 620 amino acids to 630 amino acids (e.g., 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, or 630 amino acids).

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a second fusion partner; and b) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner.

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous sequence that provides for subcellular localization (e.g., an NLS for targeting to the nucleus; a mitochondrial localization signal for targeting to the mitochondria; a chloroplast localization signal for targeting to a chloroplast; an ER retention signal; and the like). In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide includes 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs. In some cases, an NLS is located at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the N-terminus and/or at or near (e.g., within 75 amino acids, 50 amino acids, or 30 amino acids) the C-terminus. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises an NLS.

For example, in some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second fusion partner; and c) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second fusion partner; c) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and c) a second fusion partner. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises, in order from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) an NLS; b) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; c) a second fusion partner; and d) an NLS. In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence MAPKKKRKVGIHGVPAA (SEQ ID NO: 1546). In some cases, the NLS comprises the amino acid sequence KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 1547). Other suitable NLS are described elsewhere herein.

An NLS can be at or near the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus. In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises two or more NLSs (e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more NLSs). In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the N-terminus and/or one or more NLSs (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, or 4 or more NLSs) at or near the C-terminus. The term “at or near” is used here because, as is known in the art, the NLS need not be at the actual terminus of a protein, but can be positioned near (e.g., within 100 amino acids of) an N- and/or C-terminus (e.g., within 80, within 75, within 60, within 55, within 50, within 45, within 40, within 35, or within 30 amino acids of the an N- and/or C-terminus).

In some cases, the second fusion polypeptide comprises one or more linker polypeptides. For example, a linker polypeptide can be interposed between any of: a) an NLS and a fusion partner; b) a fusion partner and an alpha-helical lobe; and c) an alpha-helical lobe and an NLS.

First and Second Fusion Partners

The first fusion partner of the first fusion polypeptide, and the second fusion partner of the second fusion polypeptide, of a Cas9 heterodimer constitute a “dimer pair.” A dimer pair is a pair of polypeptides that can dimerize with one another. Each member (each polypeptide) of the dimer pair can be part of a different polypeptide, and when the members of the binding pair (the dimer pair) are brought into close proximity with one another (e.g., bind to one another), the two different polypeptides (heterologous polypeptides) to which the dimer pair members are fused are brought into proximity with one another and can be said to dimerize (i.e., as a consequence of the members of the dimer pair dimerizing).

A Cas9 heterodimer comprises two polypeptides that can interact to form a complex (i.e., to form the heterodimeric Cas9 protein). A Cas9 heterodimer is also referred to herein as a “split Cas9” or a “split Cas9 protein.” The fusion partners present in the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide can be induced to dimerize by a dimerizing agent. When the fusion partners present in the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide dimerize, the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide dimerize. In the absence of the dimerizing agent, and in the absence of a guide RNA that includes a stem loop 2 and/or a stem loop 3, the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide do not dimerize. When the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide dimerize, the Cas9 heterodimer, together with a truncated guide RNA (e.g., a guide RNA that does not include stem loop 2 and/or stem loop 3), can bind a target nucleic acid. A Cas9 heterodimer and a truncated guide RNA form a “Cas9 heterodimer system,” described herein.

As an illustrative example, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide (comprising a Cas9 nuclease lobe) and a first fusion partner (“a first member of a dimer pair”); and B) a second fusion polypeptide (comprising a Cas9 alpha-helical lobe) and a second fusion partner (“a second member of the dimer pair”). The first and second fusion polypeptides dimerize when the first and second binding members dimerize (when the first and second binding members are brought into close proximity with one another, e.g., via a dimerizer, via binding to one another, etc.). In some cases, the dimer pair is inducible such that the members of the dimer pair do not associate (e.g., come into proximity with one another, bind to one another, etc.) in the absence of induction (e.g., chemical induction, light induction, etc.). In some cases, the dimer pair is not inducible such that the members of the dimer pair bind to one another when both members are present (e.g., synzip polypeptides).

Any convenient dimer pair can used. Example dimer pairs suitable for use in a subject heterodimeric Cas9 protein include non-inducible binding pairs. For example, in some cases, each member of the binding pair is a protein domain that binds to the other member. As an illustrative example, in some cases, each member of the binding pair is a coiled-coil domain Examples of suitable coiled-coil domains include, but are not limited to:

SYNZIP14: (SEQ ID NO: 1556) NDLDAYEREAEKLEKKNEVLRNRLAALENELATLRQEVASMKQELQS SYNZIP17: (SEQ ID NO: 1557) NEKEELKSKKAELRNRIEQLKQKREQLKQKIANLRKEIEAYK SYNZIP18: (SEQ ID NO: 1558) SIAATLENDLARLENENARLEKDIANLERDLAKLEREEAYF

In some cases, each of the two members of a non-inducible binding pair comprise an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to a coiled coil domain. In some cases, a member of a non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP14 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1556). In some cases, a member of a non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP17 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1557). In some cases, a member of a non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP18 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1558).

In some cases, one member of a non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP17 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1557); and the other member of the non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP18 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1558). For example, in some cases, the two members of a non-inducible binding pair are SYNZIP17 and SYNZIP18.

In some cases, one member of a non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP14 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1556); and the other member of the non-inducible binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100%, amino acid sequence identity) to SYNZIP17 (the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1557). For example, in some cases, the two members of a non-inducible binding pair are SYNZIP14 and SYNZIP17.

Example dimer pairs suitable for use in a subject Cas9 heterodimer also include inducible binding pairs (binding pairs that can be induced to dimerize, e.g., with a dimerizer, as discussed in more detail below). Dimerizer-binding pairs suitable for use in a Cas9 heterodimer are in some embodiments polypeptides (e.g. protein domains) that bind to a different site of the same molecule (referred to herein as a “dimerizer”). In the presence of a dimerizer, both members of a dimerizer-binding pair bind to the dimerizer (e.g., in some cases each binding to a different site of the dimerizer) and are thus brought into proximity with one another. This can also be referred to as chemically-inducible dimerization (CID) (e.g., see DeRose et al, Pflugers Arch. 2013 March; 465(3):409-17, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, binding to the dimerizer is reversible. In some embodiments, binding to the dimerizer is irreversible. In some embodiments, binding to the dimerizer is non-covalent. In some embodiments, binding to the dimerizer is covalent.

Dimer pairs suitable for use include dimerizer-binding pairs that dimerize upon binding of a first member of a dimer pair to a dimerizing agent and of a second member of the dimer pair to the same dimerizing agent. Dimer pairs suitable for use also include dimerizer-binding pairs that dimerize upon binding of a first member of a dimer pair to a dimerizing agent, where the dimerizing agent induces a conformational change in the first member of the dimer pair, and where the conformational change allows the first member of the dimer pair to bind (covalently or non-covalently) to a second member of the dimer pair. Other dimer pairs suitable for use include dimer pairs in which exposure to light (e.g., blue light) induces dimerization of the dimer pair.

Regardless of the mechanism, an inducible dimer pair will dimerize upon exposure to an agent that induces dimerization, where the agent is in some cases a small molecule, or, for example, in other cases, light. Thus, for simplicity, the discussion below referring to “dimerizer-binding pairs” includes dimer pairs that dimerize regardless of the mechanism.

Non-limiting examples of suitable dimers (e.g., dimerizer-binding pairs) include, but are not limited to:

-   -   (a) FKBP1A (FK506 binding protein) (e.g., a rapamycin binding         portion) paired with FKBP1A (e.g., a rapamycin binding portion):         dimerization induced by rapamycin and/or rapamycin analogs known         as rapalogs;     -   (b) FKBP1A (e.g., a rapamycin binding portion) and FRB         (Fkbp-Rapamycin Binding Domain): dimerization induced by         rapamycin and/or rapamycin analogs known as rapalogs;     -   (c) FKBP1A (e.g., a rapamycin binding portion) and CnA         (calcineurin catalytic subunit A): dimerization induced by         rapamycin and/or rapamycin analogs known as rapalogs;     -   (d) FKBP1A (e.g., a rapamycin binding portion) and cyclophilin:         dimerization induced by rapamycin and/or rapamycin analogs known         as rapalogs;     -   (e) GyrB (Gyrase B) and GyrB: dimerization induced by         coumermycin;     -   (f) DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) and DHFR: dimerization         induced by methotrexate);     -   (g) DmrB and DmrB: dimerization induced by AP20187;     -   (h) PYL and ABI: dimerization induced by abscisic acid;     -   (i) Cry2 and CIB 1: dimerization induced by blue light; and     -   (j) GAI and GID1: dimerization induced by gibberellin.

A member (a first and/or a second member) of a binding pair (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) of a subject Cas9 heterodimer can have a length in a range of from 35 to 300 amino acids (e.g., from 35 to 250, from 35 to 200, from 35 to 150, from 35 to 100, from 35 to 50, from 50 to 300, from 50 to 250, from 50 to 200, from 50 to 150, from 50 to 100, from 100 to 300, from 100 to 250, from 100 to 200, from 100 to 150, from 150 to 300, from 150 to 250, from 150 to 200, from 200 to 300, from 200 to 250, or from 250 to 300 amino acids).

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) of a subject Cas9 heterodimer is derived from FKBP1A (also known as FKBP12, FKBP1; PKC12; PKCl2; PPIASE; FKBP-12; FKBP-1A). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include a rapamycin binding portion of FKBP1A. For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can comprise an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequence (a rapamycin binding portion of FKBP1A):

(SEQ ID NO: 1559) GVQVETISPGDGRTFPKRGQTCVVHYTGMLEDGKKFDSSRDRNKPFKFM LGKQEVIRGWEEGVAQMSVGQRAKLTISPDYAYGATGHPGIIPPHATLV FDVELLKLE.

In some cases, a member of a dimerizer-binding pair of a Cas9 heterodimer is derived from protein phosphatase 3, catalytic subunit, alpha isozyme (PPP3CA) (also known as “Serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2B catalytic subunit alpha isoform”; CNA; CALN; CALNA; CALNA1; CCN1; CNA1; PPP2B; “CAM-PRP catalytic subunit”; and “calmodulin-dependent calcineurin A subunit alpha isoform”). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include a binding portion of PPP3CA. For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can comprise an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequence (PP2Ac domain):

(SEQ ID NO: 1560) LEESVALRIITEGASILRQEKNLLDIDAPVTVCGDIHGQFFDLMKLFEV GGSPANTRYLFLGDYVDRGYFSIECVLYLWALKILYPKTLFLLRGNHE CRHLTEYFTFKQECKIKYSERVYDACMDAFDCLPLAALMNQQFLCV HGGLSPEINTLDDIRKLDRFKEPPAYGPMCDILWSDPLEDFGNEKT QEHFTHNTVRGCSYFYSYPAVCEFLQHNNLLSILRAHEAQDAGYRM YRKSQTTGFPSLITIFSAPNYLDVYNNKAAVLKYENNVMNIRQFNCS PHPYWLPNFM.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from cyclophilin (also known cyclophilin A, PPIA, CYPA, CYPH, PPlase A, etc.). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include a binding portion of cyclophilin. For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 1561) MVNPTVFFDIAVDGEPLGRVSFELFADKVPKTAENFRALSTGEKGFGYK GSCFHRIIPGFMCQGGDFTRHNGTGGKSIYGEKFEDENFILKHTGPGIL SMANAGPNTNGSQFFICTAKTEWLDGKHVVFGKVKEGMNIVEAMERFGS RNGKTSKKITIADCGQLE.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from MTOR (also known as FKBP-rapamycin associated protein; FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated protein 1; FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated protein 2; FK506-binding protein 12-rapamycin complex-associated protein 1; FRAP; FRAP1; FRAP2; RAFT1; and RAPT1). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include the Fkbp-Rapamycin Binding Domain (also known as FRB). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequence (FRB):

(SEQ ID NO: 1562) VAILWHEMWHEGLEEASRLYFGERNVKGMFEVLEPLHAMMERGPQTLKE TSFNQAYGRDLMEAQEWCRKYMKSGNVKDLTQAWDLYYHVFRRIS.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from GyrB (also known as DNA gyrase subunit B). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to a contiguous stretch of from about 100 amino acids to about 200 amino acids (aa), from about 200 aa to about 300 aa, from about 300 aa to about 400 aa, from about 400 aa to about 500 aa, from about 500 aa to about 600 aa, from about 600 aa to about 700 aa, or from about 700 aa to about 800 aa, of the following GyrB amino acid sequence from Escherichia coli (or to the DNA gyrase subunit B sequence from any organism): MSNSYDSSSIKVLKGLDAVRKRPGMYIGDTDDGTGLHHMVFEVVDNAIDEALAGHCKE IIVTIHADNSVSVQDDGRGIPTGIHPEEGVSAAEVIMTVLHAGGKFDDNSYKVSGGLHGV GVSVVNALSQKLELVIQREGKIHRQIYEHGVPQAPLAVTGETEKTGTMVRFWPSLETFT NVTEFEYEILAKRLRELSFLNSGVSIRLRDKRDGKEDHFHYEGGIKAFVEYLNKNKTPIH PNIFYFSTEKDGIGVEVALQWNDGFQENIYCFTNNIPQRDGGTHLAGFRAAMTRTLNAY MDKEGYSKKAKVSATGDDAREGLIAVVSVKVPDPKFSSQTKDKLVSSEVKSAVEQQM NELLAEYLLENPTDAKIVVGKIIDAARAREAARRAREMTRRKGALDLAGLPGKLADCQ ERDPALSELYLVEGDSAGGSAKQGRNRKNQAILPLKGKILNVEKARFDKMLSSQEVATL ITALGCGIGRDEYNPDKLRYHSIIIMTDADVDGSHIRTLLLTFFYRQMPEIVERGHVYIAQ PPLYKVKKGKQEQYIKDDEAMDQYQISIALDGATLHTNASAPALAGEALEKLVSEYNA TQKMINRMERRYPKAMLKELIYQPTLTEADLSDEQTVTRWVNALVSELNDKEQHGSQ WKFDVHTNAEQNLFEPIVRVRTHGVDTDYPLDHEFITGGEYRRICTLGEKLRGLLEEDA FIERGERRQPVASFEQALDWLVKESRRGLSIQRYKGLGEMNPEQLWETTMDPESRRML RVTVKDAIAADQLFTTLMGDAVEPRRAFIEENALKAANIDI (SEQ ID NO:1563). In some cases, a member of a dimerizer-binding pair includes an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to amino acids 1-220 of the above-listed GyrB amino acid sequence from Escherichia coli.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from DHFR (also known as dihydrofolate reductase, DHFRP1, and DYR). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 1564) MVGSLNCIVAVSQNMGIGKNGDLPWPPLRNEFRYFQRMTTTSSVEGKQN LVIMGKKTWFSIPEKNRPLKGRINLVLSRELKEPPQGAHFLSRSLDDALK LTEQPELANKVDMVWIVGGSSVYKEAMNHPGHLKLFVTRIMQDFESDTF FPEIDLEKYKLLPEYPGVLSDVQEEKGIKYKFEVYEKND.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from the DmrB binding domain (i.e., DmrB homodimerization domain). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 1565) MASRGVQVETISPGDGRTFPKRGQTCVVHYTGMLEDGKKVDSSRDRNKP FKFMLGKQEVIRGWEEGVAQMSVGQRAKLTISPDYAYGATGHPGIIPPHA TLVFDVELLKLE.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from a PYL protein (also known as abscisic acid receptor and as RCAR). For example a member of a subject dimerizer-binding pair can be derived from proteins such as those of Arabidopsis thaliana: PYR1, RCAR1(PYL9), PYL1, PYL2, PYL3, PYL4, PYL5, PYL6, PYL7, PYL8 (RCAR3), PYL10, PYL11, PYL12, PYL13. For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to the following amino acid sequences:

PYL10: (SEQ ID NO: 1566) MNGDETKKVESEYIKKHHRHELVESQCSSTLVKHIKAPLHLVWSIVRRFD EPQKYKPFISRCVVQGKKLEVGSVREVDLKSGLPATKSTEVLEILDDNEH ILGIRIVGGDHRLKNYSSTISLHSETIDGKTGTLAIESFVVDVPEGNTKE ETCFFVEALIQCNLNSLADVTERLQAESMEKKI. PYL11: (SEQ ID NO: 1567) METSQKYHTCGSTLVQTIDAPLSLVWSILRRFDNPQAYKQFVKTCNLSSG DGGEGSVREVTVVSGLPAEFSRERLDELDDESHVMMISIIGGDHRLVNYR SKTMAFVAADTEEKTVVVESYVVDVPEGNSEEETTSFADTIVGFNLKSLA KLSERVAHLKL PYL12: (SEQ ID NO: 1568) MKTSQEQHVCGSTVVQTINAPLPLVWSILRRFDNPKTFKHFVKTCKLRSG DGGEGSVREVTVVSDLPASFSLERLDELDDESHVMVISIIGGDHRLVNYQ SKTTVFVAAEEEKTVVVESYVVDVPEGNTEEETTLFADTIVGCNLRSLAK LSEKMMELT. PYL13: (SEQ ID NO: 1569) MESSKQKRCRSSVVETIEAPLPLVWSILRSFDKPQAYQRFVKSCTMRSGG GGGKGGEGKGSVRDVTLVSGFPADFSTERLEELDDESHVMVVSIIGGNHR LVNYKSKTKVVASPEDMAKKTVVVESYVVDVPEGTSEEDTIFFVDNIIRY NLTSLAKLTKKMMK. PYL1: (SEQ ID NO: 1570) MANSESSSSPVNEEENSQRISTLHHQTMPSDLTQDEFTQLSQSIAEFHTY QLGNGRCSSLLAQRIHAPPETVWSVVRRFDRPQIYKHFIKSCNVSEDFEM RVGCTRDVNVISGLPANTSRERLDLLDDDRRVTGFSITGGEHRLRNYKSV TTVHRFEKEEEEERIWTVVLESYVVDVPEGNSEEDTRLFADTVIRLNLQK LASITEAMNRNNNNNNSSQVR. PYL2: (SEQ ID NO: 1571) MSSSPAVKGLTDEEQKTLEPVIKTYHQFEPDPTTCTSLITQRIHAPASVV WPLIRRFDNPERYKHFVKRCRLISGDGDVGSVREVTVISGLPASTSTERL EFVDDDHRVLSFRVVGGEHRLKNYKSVTSVNEFLNQDSGKVYTVVLESYT VDIPEGNTEEDTKMFVDTVVKLNLQKLGVAATSAPMHDDE. PYL3: (SEQ ID NO: 1572) MNLAPIHDPSSSSTTTTSSSTPYGLTKDEFSTLDSIIRTHHTFPRSPNTC TSLIAHRVDAPAHAIWRFVRDFANPNKYKHFIKSCTIRVNGNGIKEIKVG TIREVSVVSGLPASTSVEILEVLDEEKRILSFRVLGGEHRLNNYRSVTSV NEFVVLEKDKKKRVYSVVLESYIVDIPQGNTEEDTRMFVDTVVKSNLQNL AVISTASPT. PYL4: (SEQ ID NO: 1573) MLAVHRPSSAVSDGDSVQIPMMIASFQKRFPSLSRDSTAARFHTHEVGPN QCCSAVIQEISAPISTVWSVVRRFDNPQAYKHFLKSCSVIGGDGDNVGSL RQVHVVSGLPAASSTERLDILDDERHVISFSVVGGDHRLSNYRSVTTLHP SPISGTVVVESYVVDVPPGNTKEETCDFVDVIVRCNLQSLAKIAENTAAE SKKKMSL. PYL5: (SEQ ID NO: 1574) MRSPVQLQHGSDATNGFHTLQPHDQTDGPIKRVCLTRGMHVPEHVAMHHT HDVGPDQCCSSVVQMIHAPPESVWALVRRFDNPKVYKNFIRQCRIVQGDG LHVGDLREVMVVSGLPAVSSTERLEILDEERHVISFSVVGGDHRLKNYRS VTTLHASDDEGTVVVESYIVDVPPGNTEEETLSFVDTIVRCNLQSLARST NRQ. PYL6: (SEQ ID NO: 1575) MPTSIQFQRSSTAAEAANATVRNYPHHHQKQVQKVSLTRGMADVPEHVEL SHTHVVGPSQCFSVVVQDVEAPVSTVWSILSRFEHPQAYKHFVKSCHVVI GDGREVGSVREVRVVSGLPAAFSLERLEIMDDDRHVISFSVVGGDHRLMN YKSVTTVHESEEDSDGKKRTRVVESYVVDVPAGNDKEETCSFADTIVRCN LQSLAKLAENTSKFS. PYL7: (SEQ ID NO: 1576) MEMIGGDDTDTEMYGALVTAQSLRLRHLHHCRENQCTSVLVKYIQAPVHL VWSLVRRFDQPQKYKPFISRCTVNGDPEIGCLREVNVKSGLPATTSTERL EQLDDEEHILGINIIGGDHRLKNYSSILTVHPEMIDGRSGTMVMESFVVD VPQGNTKDDTCYFVESLIKCNLKSLACVSERLAAQDITNSIATFCNASNG YREKNHTETNL. PYL8: (SEQ ID NO: 1577) MEANGIENLTNPNQEREFIRRHHKHELVDNQCSSTLVKHINAPVHIVWSL VRRFDQPQKYKPFISRCVVKGNMEIGTVREVDVKSGLPATRSTERLELLD DNEHILSIRIVGGDHRLKNYSSIISLHPETIEGRIGTLVIESFVVDVPEG NTKDETCYFVEALIKCNLKSLADISERLAVQDTTESRV. PYL9: (SEQ ID NO: 1578) MMDGVEGGTAMYGGLETVQYVRTHHQHLCRENQCTSALVKHIKAPLHLVW SLVRRFDQPQKYKPFVSRCTVIGDPEIGSLREVNVKSGLPATTSTERLEL LDDEEHILGIKIIGGDHRLKNYSSILTVHPEIIEGRAGTMVIESFVVDVP QGNTKDETCYFVEALIRCNLKSLADVSERLASQDITQ. PYR1: (SEQ ID NO: 1579) MPSELTPEERSELKNSIAEFHTYQLDPGSCSSLHAQRIHAPPELVWSIVR RFDKPQTYKHFIKSCSVEQNFEMRVGCTRDVIVISGLPANTSTERLDILD DERRVTGFSIIGGEHRLTNYKSVTTVHRFEKENRIWTVVLESYVVDMPEG NSEDDTRMFADTVVKLNLQKLATVAEAMARNSGDGSGSQVT.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from an ABI protein (also known as Abscisic Acid-Insensitive). For example a member of a subject dimerizer-binding pair can be derived from proteins such as those of Arabidopsis thaliana: ABI1 (Also known as ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 1, Protein phosphatase 2C 56, AtPP2C56, P2C56, and PP2C ABI1) and/or ABI2(also known as P2C77, Protein phosphatase 2C 77, AtPP2C77, ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 2, Protein phosphatase 2C ABI2, and PP2C ABI2). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to a contiguous stretch of from about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids (aa), from about 110 aa to about 115 aa, from about 115 aa to about 120 aa, from about 120 aa to about 130 aa, from about 130 aa to about 140 aa, from about 140 aa to about 150 aa, from about 150 aa to about 160 aa, from about 160 aa to about 170 aa, from about 170 aa to about 180 aa, from about 180 aa to about 190 aa, or from about 190 aa to about 200 aa of any of the following amino acid sequences:

ABI1: (SEQ ID NO: 1580) MEEVSPAIAGPFRPFSETQMDFTGIRLGKGYCNNQYSNQDSENGDLMVSL PETSSCSVSGSHGSESRKVLISRINSPNLNMKESAAADIVVVDISAGDEI NGSDITSEKKMISRTESRSLFEFKSVPLYGFTSICGRRPEMEDAVSTIPR FLQSSSGSMLDGRFDPQSAAHFFGVYDGHGGSQVANYCRERMHLALAEEI AKEKPMLCDGDTWLEKWKKALFNSFLRVDSEIESVAPETVGSTSVVAVVF PSHIFVANCGDSRAVLCRGKTALPLSVDHKPDREDEAARIEAAGGKVIQW NGARVFGVLAMSRSIGDRYLKPSIIPDPEVTAVKRVKEDDCLILASDGVW DVMTDEEACEMARKRILLWHKKNAVAGDASLLADERRKEGKDPAAMSAAE YLSKLAIQRGSKDNISVVVVDLKPRRKLKSKPLN. ABI2: (SEQ ID NO: 1581) MDEVSPAVAVPFRPFTDPHAGLRGYCNGESRVTLPESSCSGDGAMKDSSF EINTRQDSLTSSSSAMAGVDISAGDEINGSDEFDPRSMNQSEKKVLSRTE SRSLFEFKCVPLYGVTSICGRRPEMEDSVSTIPRFLQVSSSSLLDGRVTN GFNPHLSAHFFGVYDGHGGSQVANYCRERMHLALTEEIVKEKPEFCDGDT WQEKWKKALFNSFMRVDSEIETVAHAPETVGSTSVVAVVFPTHIFVANCG DSRAVLCRGKTPLALSVDHKPDRDDEAARIEAAGGKVIRWNGARVFGVLA MSRSIGDRYLKPSVIPDPEVTSVRRVKEDDCLILASDGLWDVMTNEEVCD LARKRILLWHKKNAMAGEALLPAEKRGEGKDPAAMSAAEYLSKMALQKGS KDNISVVVVDLKGIRKFKSKSLN.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from a Cry2 protein (also known as cryptochrome 2). For example a member of a subject dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) can be derived from Cry2 proteins from any organism (e.g., a plant) such as, but not limited to, those of Arabidopsis thaliana. For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to a contiguous stretch of from about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids (aa), from about 110 aa to about 115 aa, from about 115 aa to about 120 aa, from about 120 aa to about 130 aa, from about 130 aa to about 140 aa, from about 140 aa to about 150 aa, from about 150 aa to about 160 aa, from about 160 aa to about 170 aa, from about 170 aa to about 180 aa, from about 180 aa to about 190 aa, or from about 190 aa to about 200 aa of any of the following amino acid sequences:

Cry2 (Arabidopsis thaliana)

(SEQ ID NO: 1582) MKMDKKTIVWFRRDLRIEDNPALAAAAHEGSVFPVFIWCPEEEGQFYPGR ASRWWMKQSLAHLSQSLKALGSDLTLIKTHNTISAILDCIRVTGATKVVF NHLYDPVSLVRDHTVKEKLVERGISVQSYNGDLLYEPWEIYCEKGKPFTS FNSYWKKCLDMSIESVMLPPPWRLMPITAAAEAIWACSIEELGLENEAEK PSNALLTRAWSPGWSNADKLLNEFIEKQLIDYAKNSKKVVGNSTSLLSPY LHFGEISVRHVFQCARMKQIIWARDKNSEGEESADLFLRGIGLREYSRYI CFNFPFTHEQSLLSHLRFFPWDADVDKFKAWRQGRTGYPLVDAGMRELWA TGWMHNRIRVIVSSFAVKFLLLPWKWGMKYFWDTLLDADLECDILGWQYI SGSIPDGHELDRLDNPALQGAKYDPEGEYIRQWLPELARLPTEWIHHPWD APLTVLKASGVELGTNYAKPIVDIDTARELLAKAISRTREAQIMIGAAPD EIVADSFEALGANTIKEPGLCPSVSSNDQQVPSAVRYNGSKRVKPEEEEE RDMKKSRGFDERELFSTAESSSSSSVFFVSQSCSLASEGKNLEGIQDSSD QITTSLGKNGCK.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from the CIB1 Arabidopsis thaliana protein (also known as transcription factor bHLH63). For example, a suitable dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to a contiguous stretch of from about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids (aa), from about 110 aa to about 115 aa, from about 115 aa to about 120 aa, from about 120 aa to about 130 aa, from about 130 aa to about 140 aa, from about 140 aa to about 150 aa, from about 150 aa to about 160 aa, from about 160 aa to about 170 aa, from about 170 aa to about 180 aa, from about 180 aa to about 190 aa, or from about 190 aa to about 200 aa of the following amino acid sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 1583) MNGAIGGDLLLNFPDMSVLERQRAHLKYLNPTFDSPLAGFFADSSMITGG EMDSYLSTAGLNLPMMYGETTVEGDSRLSISPETTLGTGNFKKRKFDTET KDCNEKKKKMTMNRDDLVEEGEEEKSKITEQNNGSTKSIKKMKHKAKKEE NNFSNDSSKVTKELEKTDYIHVRARRGQATDSHSIAERVRREKISERMKF LQDLVPGCDKITGKAGMLDEIINYVQSLQRQIEFLSMKLAIVNPRPDFDM DDIFAKEVASTPMTVVPSPEMVLSGYSHEMVHSGYSSEMVNSGYLHVNPM QQVNTSSDPLSCFNNGEAPSMWDSHVQNLYGNLGV.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from the GAI Arabidopsis thaliana protein (also known as Gibberellic Acid Insensitive, and DELLA protein GAI). For example, a suitable dimerizer-binding pair member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to a contiguous stretch of from about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids (aa), from about 110 aa to about 115 aa, from about 115 aa to about 120 aa, from about 120 aa to about 130 aa, from about 130 aa to about 140 aa, from about 140 aa to about 150 aa, from about 150 aa to about 160 aa, from about 160 aa to about 170 aa, from about 170 aa to about 180 aa, from about 180 aa to about 190 aa, or from about 190 aa to about 200 aa of the following amino acid sequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 1584) MKRDHHHHHHQDKKTMMMNEEDDGNGMDELLAVLGYKVRSSEMADVAQKL EQLEVMMSNVQEDDLSQLATETVHYNPAELYTWLDSMLTDLNPPSSNAEY DLKAIPGDAILNQFAIDSASSSNQGGGGDTYTTNKRLKCSNGVVETTTAT AESTRHVVLVDSQENGVRLVHALLACAEAVQKENLTVAEALVKQIGFLAV SQIGAMRKVATYFAEALARRIYRLSPSQSPIDHSLSDTLQMHFYETCPYL KFAHFTANQAILEAFQGKKRVHVIDFSMSQGLQWPALMQALALRPGGPPV FRLTGIGPPAPDNFDYLHEVGCKLAHLAEAIHVEFEYRGFVANTLADLDA SMLELRPSEIESVAVNSVFELHKLLGRPGAIDKVLGVVNQIKPEIFTVVE QESNHNSPIFLDRFTESLHYYSTLFDSLEGVPSGQDKVMSEVYLGKQICN VVACDGPDRVERHETLSQWRNRFGSAGFAAAHIGSNAFKQASMLLALFNG GEGYRVEESDGCLMLGWHTRPLIATSAWKLSTN.

In some cases, a member of a dimer (e.g., a dimerizer-binding pair) is derived from a GID1 Arabidopsis thaliana protein (also known as Gibberellin receptor GID1). For example, a suitable dimer member can include an amino acid sequence having 75% or more amino acid sequence identity (e.g., 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% amino acid sequence identity) to a contiguous stretch of from about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids (aa), from about 110 aa to about 115 aa, from about 115 aa to about 120 aa, from about 120 aa to about 130 aa, from about 130 aa to about 140 aa, from about 140 aa to about 150 aa, from about 150 aa to about 160 aa, from about 160 aa to about 170 aa, from about 170 aa to about 180 aa, from about 180 aa to about 190 aa, or from about 190 aa to about 200 aa of any of the following amino acid sequences:

GID1A: (SEQ ID NO: 1585) MAASDEVNLIESRTVVPLNTWVLISNFKVAYNILRRPDGTFNRHLAEYLD RKVTANANPVDGVFSFDVLIDRRINLLSRVYRPAYADQEQPPSILDLEKP VDGDIVPVILFFHGGSFAHSSANSAIYDTLCRRLVGLCKCVVVSVNYRRA PENPYPCAYDDGWIALNWVNSRSWLKSKKDSKVHIFLAGDSSGGNIAHNV ALRAGESGIDVLGNILLNPMFGGNERTESEKSLDGKYFVTVRDRDWYWKA FLPEGEDREHPACNPFSPRGKSLEGVSFPKSLVVVAGLDLIRDWQLAYAE GLKKAGQEVKLMHLEKATVGFYLLPNNNHFHNVMDEISAFVNAEC. GID1B: (SEQ ID NO: 1586) MAGGNEVNLNECKRIVPLNTWVLISNFKLAYKVLRRPDGSFNRDLAEFLD RKVPANSFPLDGVFSFDHVDSTTNLLTRIYQPASLLHQTRHGTLELTKPL STTEIVPVLIFFHGGSFTHSSANSAIYDTFCRRLVTICGVVVVSVDYRRS PEHRYPCAYDDGWNALNWVKSRVWLQSGKDSNVYVYLAGDSSGGNIAHNV AVRATNEGVKVLGNILLHPMFGGQERTQSEKTLDGKYFVTIQDRDWYWRA YLPEGEDRDHPACNPFGPRGQSLKGVNFPKSLVVVAGLDLVQDWQLAYVD GLKKTGLEVNLLYLKQATIGFYFLPNNDHFHCLMEELNKFVHSIEDSQSK SSPVLLTP GID1C: (SEQ ID NO: 1587) MAGSEEVNLIESKTVVPLNTWVLISNFKLAYNLLRRPDGTFNRHLAEFLD RKVPANANPVNGVFSFDVIIDRQTNLLSRVYRPADAGTSPSITDLQNPVD GEIVPVIVFFHGGSFAHSSANSAIYDTLCRRLVGLCGAVVVSVNYRRAPE NRYPCAYDDGWAVLKWVNSSSWLRSKKDSKVRIFLAGDSSGGNIVHNVAV RAVESRIDVLGNILLNPMFGGTERTESEKRLDGKYFVTVRDRDWYWRAFL PEGEDREHPACSPFGPRSKSLEGLSFPKSLVVVAGLDLIQDWQLKYAEGL KKAGQEVKLLYLEQATIGFYLLPNNNHFHTVMDEIAAFVNAECQ.

Dimerizers

Dimerizers (“dimerizing agents”) that can provide for dimerization of a first member of a dimerizer-binding pair and a second member of a dimerizer-binding pair include, e.g. (where the dimerizer is in parentheses following the dimerizer-binding pair):

a) FKBP1A and FKBP1A (rapamycin and/or a rapamycin analog, rapalog);

b) FKBP1A and FRB (rapamycin and/or a rapamycin analog, rapalog);

c) FKBP1A and PPP3CA (rapamycin and/or a rapamycin analog, rapalog);

d) FKBP1A and cyclophilin (rapamycin and/or a rapamycin analog, rapalog);

e) GyrB and GyrB (coumermycin);

f) DHFR and DHFR (methotrexate);

g) DmrB and DmrB (AP20187);

h) PYL and ABI (abscisic acid);

i) Cry2 and CIB1 (blue light); and

j) GAI and GID1 (gibberellin).

As noted above, rapamycin can serve as a dimerizer. Alternatively, a rapamycin derivative or analog can be used. See, e.g., WO96/41865; WO 99/36553; WO 01/14387; and Ye et al (1999) Science 283:88-91. For example, analogs, homologs, derivatives and other compounds related structurally to rapamycin (“rapalogs”) include, among others, variants of rapamycin having one or more of the following modifications relative to rapamycin: demethylation, elimination or replacement of the methoxy at C7, C42 and/or C29; elimination, derivatization or replacement of the hydroxy at C13, C43 and/or C28; reduction, elimination or derivatization of the ketone at C14, C24 and/or C30; replacement of the 6-membered pipecolate ring with a 5-membered prolyl ring; and alternative substitution on the cyclohexyl ring or replacement of the cyclohexyl ring with a substituted cyclopentyl ring. Additional information is presented in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,610; 5,310,903 5,362,718; and 5,527,907. Selective epimerization of the C-28 hydroxyl group has been described; see, e.g., WO 01/14387. Additional synthetic dimerizing agents suitable for use as an alternative to rapamycin include those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0130076.

Rapamycin has the structure:

-   -   Suitable rapalogs include, e.g.,

-   -   Also suitable as a rapalog is a compound of the formula:

where n is 1 or 2; R²⁸ and R⁴³ are independently H, or a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or acyl moiety; one of R^(7a) and R^(7b) is H and the other is halo, R^(A), OR^(A), SR^(A), —OC(O)R^(A), —OC(O)NR^(A)R^(B), —NR^(A)R^(B), —NR^(B)C(OR)R^(A), NR^(B)C(O)OR^(A), —NR^(B)SO₂R^(A), or NR^(B)SO₂NR^(A)R^(B′); or R^(7a) and R^(7b), taken together, are H in the tetraene moiety:

where R^(A) is H or a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, aryl, or heteroaryl moiety and where R^(B) and R^(B′) are independently H, OH, or a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, aryl, or heteroaryl moiety.

As noted above, coumermycin can serve as a dimerizing agent. Alternatively, a coumermycin analog can be used. See, e.g., Farrar et al. (1996) Nature 383:178-181; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,846.

As noted above, in some cases, the dimerizing agent is methotrexate, e.g., a non-cytotoxic, homo-bifunctional methotrexate dimer. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,925.

Examples of Cas9 Heterodimers

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of a dimerization pair.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FRB polypeptide. In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FRB polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a PPP3CA polypeptide. In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a PPP3CA polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a cyclophilin polypeptide. In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a cyclophilin polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a GyrB polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a GyrB polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a DHFR polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a DHFR polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a DmrB polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a DmrB polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a PYL polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an ABI polypeptide. In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an ABI polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an PYL polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a Cyr2 polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a CIB1 polypeptide. In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a CIB1 polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an Cry2 polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a GAI polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a GID1 polypeptide. In some embodiments, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first polypeptide comprising: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a GID1 polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an GAI polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a first member of a dimerization pair; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a second member of the dimerization pair.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FRB polypeptide. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FRB polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a PPP3CA polypeptide. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a PPP3CA polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a cyclophilin polypeptide. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a cyclophilin polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an FKBP1A polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a GyrB polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a GyrB polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a DHFR polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a DHFR polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a DmrB polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a DmrB polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a PYL polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is an ABI polypeptide. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is an ABI polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a PYL polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a Cry2 polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a CIB1 polypeptide. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a CIB1 polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a Cry2 polypeptide.

In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a GAI polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a GID1 polypeptide. In some cases, a Cas9 heterodimer comprises: A) a first fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a first, circular permuted, polypeptide that comprises: i) a RuvCI polypeptide; ii) a RuvCII polypeptide; iii) an HNH polypeptide; iv) a RuvCIII polypeptide; and v) a PAM-interacting polypeptide; and b) a first fusion partner, where the first fusion partner is a GID1 polypeptide; and B) a second fusion polypeptide comprising: a) a second polypeptide that comprises an alpha-helical recognition region; and b) a second fusion partner, where the second fusion partner is a GAI polypeptide.

Cas9 Guide RNA

A nucleic acid molecule that binds to a Cas9 protein and targets the Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) to a specific location within the target nucleic acid is referred to herein as a “guide nucleic acid” or “Cas9 guide RNA.” In some cases, a guide nucleic acid is RNA, and in some cases, can be a hybrid nucleic acid that includes both deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides. For the sake of simplicity, as used herein, the terms that include the phrase “guide RNA” (e.g., the terms “Cas9 guide RNA”, “truncated guide RNA”, “guide RNA”, and such) are meant to encompass guide RNAs and guide nucleic acids that include components/regions/sections other than RNA (e.g., deoxyribonucleotide regions; modified nucleotides such as base modifications, sugar modifications, nucleotide linkage modifications, and the like; etc.). Also, to distinguish a guide RNA that interacts and guides a Cas9 protein from other guide RNAs in the art, the term “Cas9 guide RNA” is herein used to refer to a guide RNA (and to modified guide RNAs having deoxyribonucleotides and/or other modifications) that interacts with a Cas9 protein and targets the protein to a particular location (the target sequence) within a target nucleic acid.

A subject Cas9 guide RNA includes two segments, a first segment (referred to herein as a “targeting segment”); and a second segment (referred to herein as a “protein-binding segment”). By “segment” it is meant a segment/section/region of a molecule, e.g., a contiguous stretch of nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule. A segment can also mean a region/section of a complex such that a segment may comprise regions of more than one molecule.

The first segment (targeting segment) of a Cas9 guide RNA comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to (and therefore hybridizes with) a specific sequence (a target site) within a target nucleic acid (e.g., a target ssRNA, a target ssDNA, the complementary strand of a double stranded target DNA, etc.). The protein-binding segment (or “protein-binding sequence”) interacts with a Cas9 polypeptide. The protein-binding segment of a subject Cas9 guide RNA includes two complementary stretches of nucleotides that hybridize to one another to form a double stranded RNA duplex (dsRNA duplex). Site-specific binding and/or cleavage of the target nucleic acid can occur at locations determined by base-pairing complementarity between the Cas9 guide RNA and the target nucleic acid.

A subject Cas9 guide RNA and a subject Cas9 protein form a complex (e.g., bind via non-covalent interactions). The Cas9 guide RNA provides target specificity to the complex by including a targeting segment, which includes a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a sequence of a target nucleic acid. The Cas9 protein of the complex provides the site-specific activity (e.g., cleavage activity or an activity provided by the Cas9 protein when the Cas9 protein is a chimeric protein, i.e., has a fusion partner). In other words, the Cas9 protein is guided to a target nucleic acid sequence (e.g. a target sequence in a chromosomal nucleic acid, e.g., a chromosome; a target sequence in an extrachromosomal nucleic acid, e.g. an episomal nucleic acid, a minicircle, an ssRNA, an ssDNA, etc.; a target sequence in a mitochondrial nucleic acid; a target sequence in a chloroplast nucleic acid; a target sequence in a plasmid; a target sequence in a viral nucleic acid; etc.) by virtue of its association with the Cas9 guide RNA.

The targeting sequence (the targeting segment) of a Cas9 guide RNA can be modified so that the Cas9 guide RNA can target a Cas9 protein to any desired sequence of any desired target nucleic acid, with the exception (e.g., as described herein) that the PAM sequence can be taken into account. Thus, for example, a Cas9 guide RNA can have a targeting segment with a sequence that has complementarity with (e.g., can hybridize to) a sequence in a nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell, e.g., a viral nucleic acid, a eukaryotic nucleic acid (e.g., a eukaryotic chromosome, chromosomal sequence, a eukaryotic RNA, etc.), and the like.

In some embodiments, a subject Cas9 guide RNA comprises two separate nucleic acid molecules: an “activator” and a “targeter” and is referred to herein as a “dual Cas9 guide RNA”, a “double-molecule Cas9 guide RNA”, or a “two-molecule Cas9 guide RNA” a “dual guide RNA”, or a “dgRNA.” In some embodiments, the activator and targeter are covalently linked to one another (e.g., via intervening nucleotides) and the guide RNA is referred to as a “single guide RNA”, a “Cas9 single guide RNA”, a “single-molecule Cas9 guide RNA,” or a “one-molecule Cas9 guide RNA”, or simply “sgRNA.”

An example dual Cas9 guide RNA comprises a crRNA-like (“CRISPR RNA”/“targeter”/“crRNA”/“crRNA repeat”) molecule and a corresponding tracrRNA-like (“trans-acting CRISPR RNA”/“activator”/“tracrRNA”) molecule. A crRNA-like molecule (targeter) comprises both the targeting segment (single stranded) of the guide nucleic acid and a stretch (“duplex-forming segment”) of nucleotides that forms one half of the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment of the Cas9 guide RNA. A corresponding tracrRNA-like molecule (activator/tracrRNA) comprises a stretch of nucleotides (duplex-forming segment) that forms the other half of the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment of the guide nucleic acid. In other words, a stretch of nucleotides of a crRNA-like molecule are complementary to and hybridize with a stretch of nucleotides of a tracrRNA-like molecule to form the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding domain of the Cas9 guide RNA. As such, each targeter molecule can be said to have a corresponding activator molecule (which has a region that hybridizes with the targeter). The targeter molecule additionally provides the targeting segment. Thus, a targeter and an activator molecule (as a corresponding pair) hybridize to form a Cas9 guide RNA. The exact sequence of a given crRNA or tracrRNA molecule is characteristic of the species in which the RNA molecules are found. A subject dual Cas9 guide RNA can include any corresponding activator and targeter pair.

The term “activator” is used herein to mean a tracrRNA-like molecule (tracrRNA: “trans-acting CRISPR RNA”) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (and therefore of a Cas9 single guide RNA when the “activator” and the “targeter” are linked together by, e.g., intervening nucleotides). Thus, for example, a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) comprises an activator sequence (e.g., a tracrRNA sequence). A tracr molecule (a tracrRNA) is a naturally existing molecule that hybridizes with a CRISPR RNA molecule (a crRNA) to form a Cas9 dual guide RNA. The term “activator” is used herein to encompass naturally existing tracrRNAs, but also to encompass tracrRNAs with modifications (e.g., truncations, sequence variations, base modifications, backbone modifications, linkage modifications, etc.) where the activator retains at least one function of a tracrRNA (e.g., contributes to the dsRNA duplex to which Cas9 binds). In some cases the activator provides one or more stem loops that can interact with Cas9; in some cases, the activator contributes to the dsRNA duplex to which Cas9 binds (the dsRNA duplex formed from the hybridization of the targeter and the activator) and contributes stem loop 1 (e.g., see FIG. 2); in some cases, contributes to the dsRNA duplex to which Cas9 binds (the dsRNA duplex formed from the hybridization of the targeter and the activator) and contributes stem loops land 2 (e.g., see FIG. 2); in some cases, contributes to the dsRNA duplex to which Cas9 binds (the dsRNA duplex formed from the hybridization of the targeter and the activator) and contributes stem loops land 3 (e.g., see FIG. 2); in some cases, contributes to the dsRNA duplex to which Cas9 binds (the dsRNA duplex formed from the hybridization of the targeter and the activator) and contributes stem loops 1, 2, and 3; etc.). Thus, an activator can be referred to as having a tracr sequence (tracrRNA sequence) and in some cases is a tracrRNA, but the term “activator” is not limited to naturally existing tracrRNAs.

The term “targeter” is used herein to refer to a crRNA-like molecule (crRNA: “CRISPR RNA”) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (and therefore of a Cas9 single guide RNA when the “activator” and the “targeter” are linked together, e.g., by intervening nucleotides). Thus, for example, a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) comprises a targeting segment (which includes nucleotides that hybridize with (are complementary to) a target nucleic acid, and a duplex-forming segment (e.g., a duplex forming segment of a crRNA, which can also be referred to as a crRNA repeat). Because the sequence of a targeting segment (the segment that hybridizes with a target sequence of a target nucleic acid) of a targeter is modified by a user to hybridize with a desired target nucleic acid, the sequence of a targeter will often be a non-naturally occurring sequence. However, the duplex-forming segment of a targeter (described in more detail below), which hybridizes with the duplex-forming segment of an activator, can include a naturally existing sequence (e.g., can include the sequence of a duplex-forming segment of a naturally existing crRNA, which can also be referred to as a crRNA repeat). Thus, the term targeter is used herein to distinguish from naturally occurring crRNAs, despite the fact that part of a targeter (e.g., the duplex-forming segment) often includes a naturally occurring sequence from a crRNA. However, the term “targeter” encompasses naturally occurring crRNAs.

The term “duplex-forming segment” is used herein to refer to the stretch of nucleotides of an activator or a targeter that contributes to the formation of the dsRNA duplex by hybridizing to a stretch of nucleotides of a corresponding activator or targeter. In other words, an activator comprises a duplex-forming segment that is complementary to the duplex-forming segment of the corresponding targeter. As such, an activator comprises a duplex-forming segment while a targeter comprises both a duplex-forming segment and the targeting segment of the Cas9 guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA). A subject Cas9 single guide RNA comprises an “activator” and a “targeter” where the “activator” and the “targeter” are linked (e.g., covalently linked by intervening nucleotides). A subject Cas9 dual guide RNA comprises an “activator” and a “targeter” where the “activator” and the “targeter” are not linked (e.g., by intervening nucleotides).

A Cas9 guide RNA can also be said to include 3 parts: (i) a targeting sequence (a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes with a sequence of the target nucleic acid); (ii) an activator sequence (as described above)(in some cases, referred to as a tracr sequence); and (iii) a sequence that hybridizes to at least a portion of the activator sequence to form a double stranded duplex. For example, a targeter has (i) and (iii); while an activator has (ii).

A Cas9 guide RNA (e.g. a dual guide RNA or a single guide RNA) can be comprised of any corresponding activator and targeter pair. Non-limiting examples of nucleotide sequences that can be included in a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) include sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-679 and 1535-1544, or complements thereof. For example, in some cases, sequences from SEQ ID NOs: 431-562 and 1535-1544 (which are from tracrRNAs) or complements thereof, can pair with sequences from SEQ ID NOs: 563-679 (which are from crRNAs), or complements thereof, to form a dsRNA duplex of a protein binding segment.

In some cases, the duplex forming segments can be swapped between the activator and the targeter. In other words, in some cases, the targeter includes a sequence of nucleotides from a duplex forming segment of a tracrRNA (which sequence would normally be part of an activator) while the activator includes a sequence of nucleotides from a duplex forming segment of a crRNA (which sequence would normally be part of a targeter).

As noted above, a targeter comprises both the targeting segment (single stranded) of the Cas9 guide RNA and a stretch (“duplex-forming segment”) of nucleotides that forms one half of the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment of the Cas9 guide RNA. A corresponding tracrRNA-like molecule (activator) comprises a stretch of nucleotides (a duplex-forming segment) that forms the other half of the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment of the Cas9 guide RNA. In other words, a stretch of nucleotides of the targeter is complementary to and hybridizes with a stretch of nucleotides of the activator to form the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment of a Cas9 guide RNA. As such, each targeter can be said to have a corresponding activator (which has a region that hybridizes with the targeter). The targeter molecule additionally provides the targeting segment. Thus, a targeter and an activator (as a corresponding pair) hybridize to form a Cas9 guide RNA. The particular sequence of a given naturally existing crRNA or tracrRNA molecule is characteristic of the species in which the RNA molecules are found. Examples of suitable activator and targeter sequences include, but are not limited to, those set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544. A subject Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) can include any corresponding activator and targeter sequence pair.

Targeting Segment of a Cas9 Guide RNA

The first segment of a subject guide nucleic acid includes a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a sequence (a target site) in a target nucleic acid. In other words, the targeting segment of a subject guide nucleic acid can interact with a target nucleic acid (e.g., a single stranded RNA (ssRNA) and/or a single stranded DNA (ssDNA)) in a sequence-specific manner via hybridization (i.e., base pairing). As such, the nucleotide sequence of the targeting segment may vary (depending on the target) and can determine the location within the target nucleic acid that the Cas9 guide RNA and the target nucleic acid will interact. The targeting segment of a Cas9 guide RNA can be modified (e.g., by genetic engineering)/designed to hybridize to any desired sequence (target site) within a target nucleic acid (e.g., a eukaryotic target nucleic acid).

The targeting segment can have a length of 7 or more nucleotides (nt) (e.g., 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 12 or more, 15 or more, 20 or more, 25 or more, 30 or more, or 40 or more nucleotides). In some cases, the targeting segment can have a length of from 7 to 100 nucleotides (nt) (e.g., from 7 to 80 nt, from 7 to 60 nt, from 7 to 40 nt, from 7 to 30 nt, from 7 to 25 nt, from 7 to 22 nt, from 7 to 20 nt, from 7 to 18 nt, from 8 to 80 nt, from 8 to 60 nt, from 8 to 40 nt, from 8 to 30 nt, from 8 to 25 nt, from 8 to 22 nt, from 8 to 20 nt, from 8 to 18 nt, from 10 to 100 nt, from 10 to 80 nt, from 10 to 60 nt, from 10 to 40 nt, from 10 to 30 nt, from 10 to 25 nt, from 10 to 22 nt, from 10 to 20 nt, from 10 to 18 nt, from 12 to 100 nt, from 12 to 80 nt, from 12 to 60 nt, from 12 to 40 nt, from 12 to 30 nt, from 12 to 25 nt, from 12 to 22 nt, from 12 to 20 nt, from 12 to 18 nt, from 14 to 100 nt, from 14 to 80 nt, from 14 to 60 nt, from 14 to 40 nt, from 14 to 30 nt, from 14 to 25 nt, from 14 to 22 nt, from 14 to 20 nt, from 14 to 18 nt, from 16 to 100 nt, from 16 to 80 nt, from 16 to 60 nt, from 16 to 40 nt, from 16 to 30 nt, from 16 to 25 nt, from 16 to 22 nt, from 16 to 20 nt, from 16 to 18 nt, from 18 to 100 nt, from 18 to 80 nt, from 18 to 60 nt, from 18 to 40 nt, from 18 to 30 nt, from 18 to 25 nt, from 18 to 22 nt, or from 18 to 20 nt).

The nucleotide sequence (the targeting sequence) of the targeting segment that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence (target site) of the target nucleic acid can have a length of 10 nt or more. For example, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target site of the target nucleic acid can have a length of 12 nt or more, 15 nt or more, 18 nt or more, 19 nt or more, or 20 nt or more. In some cases, the nucleotide sequence (the targeting sequence) of the targeting segment that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence (target site) of the target nucleic acid has a length of 12 nt or more. In some cases, the nucleotide sequence (the targeting sequence) of the targeting segment that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence (target site) of the target nucleic acid has a length of 18 nt or more.

For example, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid can have a length of from 10 to 100 nucleotides (nt) (e.g., from 10 to 90 nt, from 10 to 75 nt, from 10 to 60 nt, from 10 to 50 nt, from 10 to 35 nt, from 10 to 30 nt, from 10 to 25 nt, from 10 to 22 nt, from 10 to 20 nt, from 12 to 100 nt, from 12 to 90 nt, from 12 to 75 nt, from 12 to 60 nt, from 12 to 50 nt, from 12 to 35 nt, from 12 to 30 nt, from 12 to 25 nt, from 12 to 22 nt, from 12 to 20 nt, from 15 to 100 nt, from 15 to 90 nt, from 15 to 75 nt, from 15 to 60 nt, from 15 to 50 nt, from 15 to 35 nt, from 15 to 30 nt, from 15 to 25 nt, from 15 to 22 nt, from 15 to 20 nt, from 17 to 100 nt, from 17 to 90 nt, from 17 to 75 nt, from 17 to 60 nt, from 17 to 50 nt, from 17 to 35 nt, from 17 to 30 nt, from 17 to 25 nt, from 17 to 22 nt, from 17 to 20 nt, from 18 to 100 nt, from 18 to 90 nt, from 18 to 75 nt, from 18 to 60 nt, from 18 to 50 nt, from 18 to 35 nt, from 18 to 30 nt, from 18 to 25 nt, from 18 to 22 nt, or from 18 to 20 nt). In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid has a length of from 15 nt to 30 nt. In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid has a length of from 15 nt to 25 nt. In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid has a length of from 18 nt to 30 nt. In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid has a length of from 18 nt to 25 nt. In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid has a length of from 18 nt to 22 nt. In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target site of the target nucleic acid is 20 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the targeting sequence of the targeting segment that is complementary to a target site of the target nucleic acid is 19 nucleotides in length.

The percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid can be 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the seven contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 60% or more over about 20 contiguous nucleotides. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the fourteen contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 14 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the seven contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 20 nucleotides in length.

In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 7 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid (which can be complementary to the 3′-most nucleotides of the targeting sequence of the Cas9 guide RNA). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 8 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid (which can be complementary to the 3′-most nucleotides of the targeting sequence of the Cas9 guide RNA). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 9 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid (which can be complementary to the 3′-most nucleotides of the targeting sequence of the Cas9 guide RNA). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 10 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid (which can be complementary to the 3′-most nucleotides of the targeting sequence of the Cas9 guide RNA). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 60% or more (e.g., e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) over about 20 contiguous nucleotides.

In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 7 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 7 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 8 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 8 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 9 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 9 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 10 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 10 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 11 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 11 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 12 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 12 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 13 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 13 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the percent complementarity between the targeting sequence of the targeting segment and the target site of the target nucleic acid is 100% over the 14 contiguous 5′-most nucleotides of the target site of the target nucleic acid and as low as 0% or more over the remainder. In such a case, the targeting sequence can be considered to be 14 nucleotides in length.

Second Segment: Protein-Binding Segment

The protein-binding segment of a subject Cas9 guide RNA interacts with a Cas9 protein. The Cas9 guide RNA guides the bound Cas9 protein to a specific nucleotide sequence within target nucleic acid via the targeting segment. The protein-binding segment of a Cas9 guide RNA comprises two stretches of nucleotides that are complementary to one another and hybridize to form a double stranded RNA duplex (dsRNA duplex). Thus, the protein-binding segment includes a dsRNA duplex. In some cases, the protein-binding segment also includes stem loop 1 (the “nexus”) of a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., see FIG. 2). For example, in some cases, the activator of a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) includes (i) a duplex forming segment that contributes to the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment; and (ii) nucleotides 3′ of the duplex forming segment, e.g., that form stem loop 1 (the “nexus”). For example, in some cases, the protein-binding segment includes stem loop 1 (the “nexus”) of a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, the protein-binding segment includes 5 or more nucleotides (nt) (e.g., 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 15 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 70 or more, 75 or more, or 80 or more nt) 3′ of the dsRNA duplex (where 3′ is relative to the duplex-forming segment of the activator sequence).

The dsRNA duplex of the guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA) that forms between the activator and targeter is sometimes referred to herein as the “stem loop”. In addition, the activator (activator RNA, tracrRNA) of many naturally existing Cas9 guide RNAs (e.g., S. pyogenes guide RNAs) has 3 stem loops (3 hairpins) that are 3′ of the duplex-forming segment of the activator. The closest stem loop to the duplex-forming segment of the activator (3′ of the duplex forming segment) is called “stem loop 1” (and is also referred to herein as the “nexus”); the next stem loop is called “stem loop 2” (and is also referred to herein as the “hairpin 1”); and the next stem loop is called “stem loop 3” (and is also referred to herein as the “hairpin 2”). For example, see FIG. 2 for clarification of the nomenclature.

The term “truncated guide RNA”, as used herein, refers to a Cas9 guide RNA (single guide or dual guide) that has the nexus (“stem loop 1”), but is missing one or both of stem loops 2 and 3. Thus, a “truncated guide RNA” is truncated from the 3′ end of the activator and can have: (i) stem loop 1 only; (ii) stem loop 1 plus stem loop 2; or (iii) stem loop 1 plus stem loop 3. In some cases, a guide RNA (e.g., some naturally existing guide RNAs) have only one stem loop 3′ of the nexus (“stem loop 1”) and thus for purposes herein, such guide RNAs are referred to herein as having a nexus (“stem loop 1”) and a “stem loop 2/3” (or “hairpin 1/2”). For more information regarding Cas9 guide RNAs, see Briner et al., Mol Cell. 2014 Oct. 23; 56(2):333-9, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The term “truncated guide RNA”, as used herein, refers to a Cas9 guide RNA (single guide or dual guide) that does not include one or both of: stem loop 2 and stem loop 3. In some cases, a Cas9 guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA) (a truncated Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1, but does not have stem loop 2 and does not have stem loop 3. In some cases, a Cas9 guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA) (a truncated Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1 and stem loop 2, but does not have stem loop 3. In some cases, a Cas9 guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA) (a truncated Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1 and stem loop 3, but does not have stem loop 2. For example, in some cases, a Cas9 guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA) (a truncated Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1, but does not have at least one of: stem loop 2 and stem loop 3. In some cases, a Cas9 guide RNA (sgRNA or dgRNA) (e.g., a full length Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loops 1, 2, and 3.

Thus, in some cases, an activator (of a Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1, but does not have stem loop 2 and does not have stem loop 3. In some cases, an activator (of a Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1 and stem loop 2, but does not have stem loop 3. In some cases, an activator (of a Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1 and stem loop 3, but does not have stem loop 2. In some cases, an activator (of a Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loops 1, 2, and 3. For example, in some cases, an activator (of a Cas9 guide RNA) has stem loop 1, but does not have at least one of: stem loop 2 and stem loop 3.

In some cases, the activator (e.g., tracr sequence) of a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) includes (i) a duplex forming segment that contributes to the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment; and (ii) nucleotides 3′ of the duplex forming segment (and therefore the Cas9 guide RNA includes (ii)). In some cases, the additional nucleotides 3′ of the duplex forming segment form stem loop 1. In some cases, the activator (e.g., tracr sequence) of a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) includes (i) a duplex forming segment that contributes to the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment; and (ii) 5 or more nucleotides (e.g., 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 20 or more, 25 or more, 30 or more, 35 or more, 40 or more, 45 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 70 or more, or 75 or more nucleotides) 3′ of the duplex forming segment (and therefore the Cas9 guide RNA includes (ii)). In some cases, the activator of a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) includes (i) a duplex forming segment that contributes to the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment; and (ii) 5 or more nucleotides (e.g., 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 20 or more, 25 or more, 30 or more, 35 or more, 40 or more, 45 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 70 or more, or 75 or more nucleotides) 3′ of the duplex forming segment (and therefore the Cas9 guide RNA includes (ii)).

In some cases, the activator (e.g., tracr sequence) of a Cas9 guide RNA (dgRNA or sgRNA) includes (i) a duplex forming segment that contributes to the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment; and (ii) a stretch of nucleotides (e.g., referred to herein as a 3′ tail) 3′ of the duplex forming segment (and therefore the Cas9 guide RNA includes (ii)). In some cases, the stretch of nucleotides 3′ of the duplex forming segment has a length in a range of from 5 to 200 nucleotides (nt) (e.g., from 5 to 150 nt, from 5 to 130 nt, from 5 to 120 nt, from 5 to 100 nt, from 5 to 80 nt, from 10 to 200 nt, from 10 to 150 nt, from 10 to 130 nt, from 10 to 120 nt, from 10 to 100 nt, from 10 to 80 nt, from 12 to 200 nt, from 12 to 150 nt, from 12 to 130 nt, from 12 to 120 nt, from 12 to 100 nt, from 12 to 80 nt, from 15 to 200 nt, from 15 to 150 nt, from 15 to 130 nt, from 15 to 120 nt, from 15 to 100 nt, from 15 to 80 nt, from 20 to 200 nt, from 20 to 150 nt, from 20 to 130 nt, from 20 to 120 nt, from 20 to 100 nt, from 20 to 80 nt, from 30 to 200 nt, from 30 to 150 nt, from 30 to 130 nt, from 30 to 120 nt, from 30 to 100 nt, or from 30 to 80 nt).

In some embodiments, the duplex-forming segment of the activator (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) is 60% or more identical to one of the activator (tracrRNA) molecules set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, the duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 65% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 70% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 75% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 80% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 85% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 90% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 95% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 98% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 99% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 100% identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

In some embodiments, the duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) is 60% or more identical to one of the targeter (crRNA) sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, the duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 65% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 70% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 75% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 80% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 85% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 90% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 95% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 98% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 99% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) (e.g., of a Cas9 dual guide RNA or a Cas9 single guide RNA) can be 100% identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

A Cas9 single guide RNA comprises two stretches of nucleotides (a “targeter” and an “activator”) that are complementary to one another, hybridize to form the double stranded RNA duplex (dsRNA duplex) of the protein-binding segment (thus resulting in a stem-loop structure), and are covalently linked, e.g., by a linker of intervening nucleotides (“linker nucleotides”). Thus, a subject Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) can comprise a targeter and an activator, each having a duplex-forming segment, where the duplex-forming segments of the targeter and the activator hybridize with one another to form a dsRNA duplex. The targeter and the activator can be covalently linked via the 3′ end of the targeter and the 5′ end of the activator. Alternatively, targeter and the activator can be covalently linked via the 5′ end of the targeter and the 3′ end of the activator.

The linker of a Cas9 single guide RNA can have a length of from 3 nucleotides to 100 nucleotides. For example, the linker can have a length of from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 90 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 80 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 70 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 60 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 50 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 40 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 30 nt, from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 20 nt or from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 10 nt. For example, the linker can have a length of from 3 nt to 5 nt, from 5 nt to 10 nt, from 10 nt to 15 nt, from 15 nt to 20 nt, from 20 nt to 25 nt, from 25 nt to 30 nt, from 30 nt to 35 nt, from 35 nt to 40 nt, from 40 nt to 50 nt, from 50 nt to 60 nt, from 60 nt to 70 nt, from 70 nt to 80 nt, from 80 nt to 90 nt, or from 90 nt to 100 nt. In some embodiments, the linker of a Cas9 single guide RNA is 4 nt.

A Cas9 single guide RNA comprises two complementary stretches of nucleotides (a targeter and an activator) that hybridize to form a dsRNA duplex. In some embodiments, one of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) is 60% or more identical to one of the activator (tracrRNA) molecules set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, in some cases, one of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) is 65% or more identical, 70% or more identical, 75% or more identical, 80% or more identical, 85% or more identical, 90% or more identical, 95% or more identical, 98% or more identical, 99% or more identical or 100% identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

In some embodiments, one of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) is 60% or more identical to one of the targeter (crRNA) sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, in some cases one of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) is 65% or more identical, 70% or more identical, 75% or more identical, 80% or more identical, 85% or more identical, 90% or more identical, 95% or more identical, 98% or more identical, 99% or more identical or 100% identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

In some embodiments, one of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) is 60% or more identical to one of the targeter (crRNA) sequences or activator (tracrRNA) sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, one of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 65% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 70% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 75% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 80% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 85% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 90% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 95% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 98% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 99% or more identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). One of the two complementary stretches of nucleotides of the Cas9 single guide RNA (or the DNA encoding the stretch) can be 100% identical to one of the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

Appropriate cognate pairs of targeters and activators can be routinely determined for SEQ ID NOs:431-679 and 1535-1544, e.g., by taking into account the species name and base-pairing (for the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding domain). Any corresponding activator/targeter pair can be used as part of subject dual Cas9 guide RNA or as part of a subject Cas9 single guide RNA.

In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 60% or more sequence identity (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% sequence identity) with a naturally existing activator (tracrRNA) molecule. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 60% or more sequence identity (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% sequence identity) with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 70% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 75% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 80% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 85% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 90% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 95% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 98% or more sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 100% sequence identity with an activator (tracrRNA) molecule set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof.

In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 60% or more sequence identity (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 100% sequence identity) with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 70% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 75% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 80% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 85% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 90% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 95% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 98% or more sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes a stretch of nucleotides with 100% sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 431-679 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof.

In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) includes 30 or more nucleotides (nt) (e.g., 40 or more, 50 or more, 60 or more, 70 or more, 75 or more nt). In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a Cas9 dual guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) has a length in a range of from 25 to 300 nucleotides (nt) (e.g., 30 to 300 nt, 40 to 300 nt, 50 to 300 nt, 60 to 300 nt, 65 to 300 nt, 70 to 300 nt, 75 to 300 nt, 30 to 200 nt, 40 to 200 nt, 50 to 200 nt, 60 to 200 nt, 65 to 200 nt, 70 to 200 nt, 75 to 200 nt, 30 to 150 nt, 40 to 150 nt, 50 to 150 nt, 60 to 150 nt, 65 to 150 nt, 70 to 150 nt, 75 to 150 nt, 30 to 100 nt, 40 to 100 nt, 50 to 100 nt, 60 to 100 nt, 65 to 100 nt, 70 to 100 nt, 75 to 100 nt, 30 to 75 nt, 30 to 65 nt, 30 to 50 nt, or 30 to 40 nt). In some cases, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA, tracrRNA-like molecule, etc.) of a dual Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., a dual guide RNA) or a Cas9 single guide RNA (e.g., a single guide RNA) has a length in a range of from 30 to 200 nucleotides (nt) (e.g., 40 to 200 nucleotides, 50 to 200 nucleotides, 60 to 200 nucleotides, 65 to 200 nucleotides, 70 to 200 nucleotides, 75 to 200 nucleotides, 40 to 150 nucleotides, 50 to 150 nucleotides, 60 to 150 nucleotides, 65 to 150 nucleotides, 70 to 150 nucleotides, 75 to 150 nucleotides, 40 to 100 nucleotides, 50 to 100 nucleotides, 60 to 100 nucleotides, 65 to 100 nucleotides, 70 to 100 nucleotides, or 75 to 100 nucleotides).

In some cases, the protein-binding segment has a length of from 10 nucleotides to 300 nucleotides. Also with regard to both a subject Cas9 single guide RNA and to a subject Cas9 dual guide RNA, the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment can have a length from 6 base pairs (bp) to 50 bp (e.g., from 6 bp to 40 bp, from 6 bp to 35 bp, from 6 bp to 30 bp, from 6 bp to 25 bp, from 6 bp to 20 bp, from 6 bp to 15 bp, from 8 bp to 50 bp, from 8 bp to 40 bp, from 8 bp to 35 bp, from 8 bp to 30 bp, from 8 bp to 25 bp, from 8 bp to 20 bp, from 8 bp to 15 bp, from 10 bp to 50 bp, from 10 bp to 40 bp, from 10 bp to 35 bp, from 10 bp to 30 bp, from 10 bp to 25 bp, from 10 bp to 20 bp, from 10 bp to 15 bp, from 12 bp to 50 bp, from 12 bp to 40 bp, from 12 bp to 35 bp, from 12 bp to 30 bp, from 12 bp to 25 bp, from 12 bp to 20 bp, or from 12 bp to 15 bp). In some embodiments, the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment has a length of 8 or more base pairs (bp) (e.g., 10 or more bp, 12 or more bp, or 15 or more bp). In some embodiments, the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment has a length of from 12 to 40 base pairs. In some embodiments, the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment has fewer base pairs than the dsRNA duplex of a corresponding dsRNA duplex of a corresponding wild type Cas9 guide RNA.

The percent complementarity between the nucleotide sequences that hybridize to form the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment can be 60% or more. For example, the percent complementarity between the nucleotide sequences that hybridize to form the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment can be 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, or 99% or more. In some cases, the dsRNA duplex of the protein binding segment includes a “bulge”, e.g., a region of non-complementarity (which, e.g., can result in two (or more) sub-regions of complementarity separated by one region (or more) of non-complementarity). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the nucleotide sequences that hybridize to form the dsRNA duplex of the protein-binding segment is 100%.

In some embodiments, a suitable Cas9 guide RNA comprises two separate molecules (an activator and a targeter). In some cases, the first of the two separate molecules (e.g., the activator, the targeter) comprises a nucleotide sequence having 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) nucleotide sequence identity over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides) to any one of the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof. In some cases, the second of the two separate molecules (e.g., the targeter, the activator) comprises a nucleotide sequence having 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) nucleotide sequence identity over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides) to any one of the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof.

In some embodiments, a suitable Cas9 guide RNA is a single RNA polynucleotide and comprises a first nucleotide sequence having 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) nucleotide sequence identity over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides) to any one of the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, and a second nucleotide sequence having 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) nucleotide sequence identity over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides) to any one of the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 463-679.

In some embodiments, the targeter comprises the sequence 5′GUUUUAGAGCUA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:679) linked at its 5′ end to a stretch of nucleotides that are complementary to a target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the activator comprises the sequence 5′-UAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:397).

In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA comprises the sequence 5′-GUUUUAGAGCUA-linker-UAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:680) linked at its 5′ end to a stretch of nucleotides that are complementary to a target nucleic acid (where “linker” denotes any a linker nucleotide sequence that can comprise any nucleotide sequence). Illustrative examples of Cas9 single guide RNAs include those set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 680-682.

A subject dual guide RNA comprises two separate nucleic acid molecules. Each of the two molecules of a subject dual guide RNA comprises a stretch of nucleotides that are complementary to one another such that the complementary nucleotides of the two molecules hybridize to form the double stranded RNA duplex of the protein-binding segment. In some embodiments, the duplex-forming segment of the activator is 60% or more identical to one of the activator (tracrRNA) molecules set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, the duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 65% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 70% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 75% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 80% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 85% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 90% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 95% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 98% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 99% or more identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the activator (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the activator) can be 100% identical to one of the tracrRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

In some embodiments, the duplex-forming segment of the targeter is 60% or more identical to one of the targeter (crRNA) sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). For example, the duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 65% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 70% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 75% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 80% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 85% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 90% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 95% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 98% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 99% or more identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides). The duplex-forming segment of the targeter (or the DNA encoding the duplex-forming segment of the targeter) can be 100% identical to one of the crRNA sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or a complement thereof, over a stretch of 8 or more contiguous nucleotides (e.g., 8 or more contiguous nucleotides, 10 or more contiguous nucleotides, 12 or more contiguous nucleotides, 15 or more contiguous nucleotides, or 20 or more contiguous nucleotides).

Non-limiting examples of nucleotide sequences that can be included in a dual Cas9 guide RNA include sequences that can hybridize to form a protein binding segment, such as the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:431-562 and 1535-1544, or complements thereof, pairing with sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:563-679, or complements thereof t.

A dual guide RNA can be designed to allow for controlled (i.e., conditional) binding of a targeter with an activator. Because a Cas9 dual guide RNA is not functional unless both the activator and the targeter are bound in a functional complex with Cas9, a dual guide RNA can be inducible (e.g., drug inducible) by rendering the binding between the activator and the targeter to be inducible. As one non-limiting example, RNA aptamers can be used to regulate (i.e., control) the binding of the activator with the targeter. Accordingly, the activator and/or the targeter can include an RNA aptamer sequence.

Aptamers (e.g., RNA aptamers) are known in the art and are generally a synthetic version of a riboswitch. The terms “RNA aptamer” and “riboswitch” are used interchangeably herein to encompass both synthetic and natural nucleic acid sequences that provide for inducible regulation of the structure (and therefore the availability of specific sequences) of the nucleic acid molecule (e.g., RNA, DNA/RNA hybrid, etc.) of which they are part. RNA aptamers usually comprise a sequence that folds into a particular structure (e.g., a hairpin), which specifically binds a particular drug (e.g., a small molecule). Binding of the drug causes a structural change in the folding of the RNA, which changes a feature of the nucleic acid of which the aptamer is a part. As non-limiting examples: (i) an activator with an aptamer may not be able to bind to the cognate targeter unless the aptamer is bound by the appropriate drug; (ii) a targeter with an aptamer may not be able to bind to the cognate activator unless the aptamer is bound by the appropriate drug; and (iii) a targeter and an activator, each comprising a different aptamer that binds a different drug, may not be able to bind to each other unless both drugs are present. As illustrated by these examples, a Cas9 dual guide RNA can be designed to be inducible.

Examples of aptamers and riboswitches can be found, for example, in: Nakamura et al., Genes Cells. 2012 May; 17(5):344-64; Vavalle et al., Future Cardiol. 2012 May; 8(3):371-82; Citartan et al., Biosens Bioelectron. 2012 Apr. 15; 34(1):1-11; and Liberman et al., Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA. 2012 May-June; 3(3):369-84; all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Hybrid Cas9 Guide RNAs

As noted above, in some cases, a Cas9 guide RNA is a DNA/RNA hybrid molecule. In such cases, the protein-binding segment of the Cas9 guide RNA is RNA and forms an RNA duplex. However, the targeting segment of a Cas9 guide RNA can be DNA. Thus, if a DNA/RNA hybrid guide nucleic acid is a dual guide nucleic acid, the “targeter” molecule and be a hybrid molecule (e.g., the targeting segment can be DNA and the duplex-forming segment can be RNA). In such cases, the duplex-forming segment of the “activator” molecule can be RNA (e.g., in order to form an RNA-duplex with the duplex-forming segment of the targeter molecule), while nucleotides of the “activator” molecule that are outside of the duplex-forming segment can be DNA (in which case the activator molecule is a hybrid DNA/RNA molecule) or can be RNA (in which case the activator molecule is RNA). If a DNA/RNA hybrid guide nucleic acid is a single guide nucleic acid, then the targeting segment can be DNA, the duplex-forming segments (which make up the protein-binding segment) can be RNA, and nucleotides outside of the targeting and duplex-forming segments can be RNA or DNA. The “targeter” can also be referred to as a “targeter RNA” (even though in some cases a targeter RNA can have deoxyribonucleotides and/or other modifications) and the “activator” can be referred to as an “activator RNA” (even though in some cases a targeter RNA can have deoxyribonucleotides and/or other modifications).

A DNA/RNA hybrid Cas9 guide RNA can be useful in some cases, for example, when a target nucleic acid is an RNA. Cas9 normally associates with a guide RNA that hybridizes with a target DNA, thus forming a DNA-RNA duplex at the target site. Therefore, when the target nucleic acid is an RNA, it is sometimes advantageous to recapitulate a DNA-RNA duplex at the target site by using a targeting segment (of the Cas9 guide RNA) that is DNA instead of RNA. However, because the protein-binding segment of a Cas9 guide RNA is an RNA-duplex, the targeter molecule can be DNA in the targeting segment and RNA in the duplex-forming segment. In some cases, hybrid Cas9 guide RNAs can bias Cas9 binding to single stranded target nucleic acids relative to double stranded target nucleic acids.

Stability Control Sequence (e.g., Transcriptional Terminator Segment)

In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA comprises a stability control sequence. A stability control sequence influences the stability of a nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a targeter, an activator, etc.). One example of a suitable stability control sequence for use with an RNA is a transcriptional terminator segment (i.e., a transcription termination sequence). A transcriptional terminator segment of a subject Cas9 guide RNA can have a total length of from about 10 nucleotides to about 100 nucleotides, e.g., from about 10 nucleotides (nt) to about 20 nt, from about 20 nt to about 30 nt, from about 30 nt to about 40 nt, from about 40 nt to about 50 nt, from about 50 nt to about 60 nt, from about 60 nt to about 70 nt, from about 70 nt to about 80 nt, from about 80 nt to about 90 nt, or from about 90 nt to about 100 nt. For example, the transcriptional terminator segment can have a length of from about 15 nucleotides (nt) to about 80 nt, from about 15 nt to about 50 nt, from about 15 nt to about 40 nt, from about 15 nt to about 30 nt or from about 15 nt to about 25 nt.

In some cases, the transcription termination sequence is one that is functional in a eukaryotic cell. In some cases, the transcription termination sequence is one that is functional in a prokaryotic cell.

Non-limiting examples of nucleotide sequences that can be included in a stability control sequence (e.g., transcriptional termination segment, or in any segment of the Cas9 guide RNA to provide for increased stability) include sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 683-696 and, for example,

(SEQ ID NO: 1349) 5′-UAAUCCCACAGCCGCCAGUUCCGCUGGCGGCAUUUU-5′ (a Rho-independent trp termination site).

Additional Sequences

In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA comprises an additional segment or segments (in some cases at the 5′ end, in some cases the 3′ end, in some cases at either the 5′ or 3′ end, in some cases embedded within the sequence (i.e., not at the 5′ and/or 3′ end), in some cases at both the 5′ end and the 3′ end, in some cases embedded and at the 5′ end and/or the 3′ end, etc.). For example, a suitable additional segment can comprise a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m⁷G)); a 3′ polyadenylated tail (i.e., a 3′ poly(A) tail); a ribozyme sequence (e.g. to allow for self-cleavage of a Cas9 guide RNA (or component of a Cas9 guide RNA, e.g., a targeter, an activator, etc.) and release of a mature PAMmer in a regulated fashion); a riboswitch sequence (e.g., to allow for regulated stability and/or regulated accessibility by proteins and protein complexes); a sequence that forms a dsRNA duplex (i.e., a hairpin)); a sequence that targets an RNA to a subcellular location (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the like); a modification or sequence that provides for tracking (e.g., a direct label (e.g., direct conjugation to a fluorescent molecule (i.e., fluorescent dye)), conjugation to a moiety that facilitates fluorescent detection, a sequence that allows for fluorescent detection; a modification or sequence that provides a binding site for proteins (e.g., proteins that act on DNA, including transcriptional activators, transcriptional repressors, DNA methyltransferases, DNA demethylases, histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, proteins that bind RNA (e.g., RNA aptamers), labeled proteins, fluorescently labeled proteins, and the like); a modification or sequence that provides for increased, decreased, and/or controllable stability; and combinations thereof.

Examples of various Cas9 guide RNAs can be found in the art, for example, see Jinek et al., Science. 2012 Aug. 17; 337(6096):816-21; Chylinski et al., RNA Biol. 2013 May; 10(5):726-37; Ma et al., Biomed Res Int. 2013; 2013:270805; Hou et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Sep. 24; 110(39):15644-9; Jinek et al., Elife. 2013; 2:e00471; Pattanayak et al., Nat Biotechnol. 2013 September; 31(9):839-43; Qi et al, Cell. 2013 Feb. 28; 152(5):1173-83; Wang et al., Cell. 2013 May 9; 153(4):910-8; Auer et. al., Genome Res. 2013 Oct. 31; Chen et. al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e19; Cheng et. al., Cell Res. 2013 October; 23(10):1163-71; Cho et. al., Genetics. 2013 November; 195(3):1177-80; DiCarlo et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 April; 41(7):4336-43; Dickinson et. al., Nat Methods. 2013 October; 10(10):1028-34; Ebina et. al., Sci Rep. 2013; 3:2510; Fujii et. al, Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e187; Hu et. al., Cell Res. 2013 November; 23(11):1322-5; Jiang et. al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e188; Larson et. al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2180-96; Mali et. al., Nat Methods. 2013 October; 10(10):957-63; Nakayama et. al., Genesis. 2013 December; 51(12):835-43; Ran et. al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2281-308; Ran et. al., Cell. 2013 Sep. 12; 154(6):1380-9; Upadhyay et. al., G3 (Bethesda). 2013 Dec. 9; 3(12):2233-8; Walsh et. al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Sep. 24; 110(39):15514-5; Xie et. al., Mol Plant. 2013 Oct. 9; Yang et. al., Cell. 2013 Sep. 12; 154(6):1370-9; Briner et al., Mol Cell. 2014 Oct. 23; 56(2):333-9; and U.S. patents and patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,906,616; 8,895,308; 8,889,418; 8,889,356; 8,871,445; 8,865,406; 8,795,965; 8,771,945; 8,697,359; 20140068797; 20140170753; 20140179006; 20140179770; 20140186843; 20140186919; 20140186958; 20140189896; 20140227787; 20140234972; 20140242664; 20140242699; 20140242700; 20140242702; 20140248702; 20140256046; 20140273037; 20140273226; 20140273230; 20140273231; 20140273232; 20140273233; 20140273234; 20140273235; 20140287938; 20140295556; 20140295557; 20140298547; 20140304853; 20140309487; 20140310828; 20140310830; 20140315985; 20140335063; 20140335620; 20140342456; 20140342457; 20140342458; 20140349400; 20140349405; 20140356867; 20140356956; 20140356958; 20140356959; 20140357523; 20140357530; 20140364333; and 20140377868; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Donor Polynucleotide

In some cases, the contacting of target nucleic acid (e.g., via introduction into a cell of components described herein) (e.g., with a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) occurs under conditions that are permissive for nonhomologous end joining or homology-directed repair. In some cases, the method further comprises contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a donor polynucleotide, where the donor polynucleotide, a portion of the donor polynucleotide, a copy of the donor polynucleotide, or a portion of a copy of the donor polynucleotide integrates into the target nucleic acid (i.e., a sequence of a donor polynucleotide integrates into the target nucleic acid, e.g., target DNA). In some cases, the method does not include a donor polynucleotide and the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) is modified such that nucleotides within the target nucleic acid are deleted.

In some cases, Cas9 guide RNA, a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), and/or a PAMmer are co-administered (e.g., contacted with a target nucleic acid, introduced into a cell, etc.) with a donor polynucleotide having a sequence that includes at least a segment with homology to the target nucleic acid sequence (e.g., target DNA sequence). The subject methods may be used to add, i.e. insert or replace, nucleic acid material to a target nucleic acid sequence (target DNA sequence) (e.g. to “knock in” a nucleic acid that encodes for a protein, an siRNA, an miRNA, etc.), to add a tag (e.g., 6×His, a fluorescent protein (e.g., a green fluorescent protein; a yellow fluorescent protein, etc.), hemagglutinin (HA), FLAG, etc.), to add a regulatory sequence to a gene (e.g. promoter, polyadenylation signal, internal ribosome entry sequence (IRES), 2A peptide, start codon, stop codon, splice signal, localization signal, etc.), to modify a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., introduce a mutation), and the like. As such, a complex comprising a Cas9 guide RNA and a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (and/or a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide) is useful in any in vitro or in vivo application in which it is desirable to modify a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) in a site-specific, i.e. “targeted”, way, for example gene knock-out, gene knock-in, gene editing, gene tagging, etc., as used in, for example, gene therapy, e.g. to treat a disease or as an antiviral, antipathogenic, or anticancer therapeutic, the production of genetically modified organisms in agriculture, the large scale production of proteins by cells for therapeutic, diagnostic, or research purposes, the induction of iPS cells, biological research, the targeting of genes of pathogens for deletion or replacement, etc.

In applications in which it is desirable to insert a polynucleotide sequence into a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA), a polynucleotide comprising a donor sequence to be inserted can also be provided to the cell. By a “donor sequence” or “donor polynucleotide” it is meant a nucleic acid sequence to be inserted at the cleavage site induced by a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). The donor polynucleotide will contain sufficient homology to a region of the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) at the cleavage site, e.g. 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% homology with the nucleotide sequences flanking the cleavage site, e.g. within about 50 bases or less of the cleavage site, e.g. within about 30 bases, within about 15 bases, within about 10 bases, within about 5 bases, or immediately flanking the cleavage site, to support homology-directed repair between it and the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) sequence to which it bears homology. Approximately 25, 50, 100, or 200 nucleotides, or more than 200 nucleotides, of sequence homology between a donor and a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) sequence (e.g., genomic sequence) (or any integral value between 10 and 200 nucleotides, or more) will support homology-directed repair. Donor sequences can be of any length, e.g. 10 nucleotides or more, 50 nucleotides or more, 100 nucleotides or more, 250 nucleotides or more, 500 nucleotides or more, 1000 nucleotides or more, 5000 nucleotides or more, etc.

The donor sequence is typically not identical to the target sequence that it replaces. Rather, the donor sequence can contain, with respect to the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) sequence, one or more of: a substitution, an insertion, a deletion, an inversion, and a rearrangement, so long as sufficient homology is present to support homology-directed repair. In some embodiments, the donor sequence includes a non-homologous sequence flanked by two regions of homology, such that homology-directed repair between the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) region and the two flanking sequences results in insertion of the non-homologous sequence at the target region. Donor sequences may also include a vector backbone containing sequences that are not homologous to the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) region of interest and that are not intended for insertion into the target nucleic acid region of interest. Generally, the homologous region(s) of a donor sequence will have at least 50% sequence identity to a genomic sequence with which recombination is desired. In certain embodiments, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 99.9% sequence identity is present. Any value between 1% and 100% sequence identity can be present, depending upon the length of the donor polynucleotide.

The donor sequence may include certain sequence differences as compared to the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) sequence, e.g. restriction sites, nucleotide polymorphisms, selectable markers (e.g., drug resistance genes, fluorescent proteins, enzymes etc.), etc., which may be used to assess for successful insertion of the donor sequence at the cleavage site or in some cases may be used for other purposes (e.g., to signify expression at the targeted genomic locus). In some cases, if located in a coding region, such nucleotide sequence differences will not change the amino acid sequence, or will make silent amino acid changes (i.e., changes which do not affect the structure or function of the protein). Alternatively, these sequences differences may include flanking recombination sequences such as FLPs, loxP sequences, or the like, that can be activated at a later time for removal of the marker sequence.

The donor sequence can be contacted with the target nucleic acid (e.g., provided to the cell) as single-stranded DNA, single-stranded RNA, double-stranded DNA, or double-stranded RNA. It may be contacted (e.g., introduced into a cell) in linear or circular form. If contacted (e.g., introduced) in linear form, the ends of the donor sequence may be protected (e.g., from exonucleolytic degradation) by methods known to those of skill in the art. For example, one or more dideoxynucleotide residues can be added to the 3′ terminus of a linear molecule and/or self-complementary oligonucleotides can be ligated to one or both ends. See, for example, Chang et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad Sci USA 84:4959-4963; Nehls et al. (1996) Science 272:886-889. Additional methods for protecting exogenous polynucleotides from degradation include, but are not limited to, addition of terminal amino group(s) and the use of modified internucleotide linkages such as, for example, phosphorothioates, phosphoramidates, and O-methyl ribose or deoxyribose residues. As an alternative to protecting the termini of a linear donor sequence, additional lengths of sequence may be included outside of the regions of homology that can be degraded without impacting recombination. A donor sequence can be introduced into a cell as part of a vector molecule having additional sequences such as, for example, replication origins, promoters and genes encoding antibiotic resistance. Moreover, donor sequences can be introduced as naked nucleic acid, as nucleic acid complexed with an agent such as a liposome or poloxamer, or can be delivered by viruses (e.g., adenovirus, AAV), as described herein for nucleic acids encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein).

PAMmer

In some cases, e.g., when a target nucleic acid is single stranded, a PAMmer can be used to provide a PAM sequence. PAMmers can be present in subject compositions, systems, kits, and/or methods.

A “PAMmer” is a single stranded oligonucleotide (e.g., DNA, RNA, a modified nucleic acid, etc.) that hybridizes to a single stranded target nucleic acid (thus converting the single stranded target nucleic acid into a double stranded target nucleic acid at a desired position), and provides a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence. For information regarding PAMmers in addition to the discussion below, see, for example, O'Connell et al., Nature. 2014 Dec. 11; 516(7530):263-6; and Sternberg et. al., Nature. 2014 Mar. 6; 507(7490):62-7; both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

A PAMmer includes a PAM sequence and at least one of: an orientation segment (which is positioned 3′ of the PAM sequence), and a specificity segment (which is positioned 5′ of the PAM sequence). A specificity segment has a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a first target nucleotide sequence in a target nucleic acid (i.e., the sequence that is targeted by the specificity segment), where the first target nucleotide sequence overlaps (in some cases 100%) with the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid. In other words, the specificity segment is complementary with (and hybridizes to) the target site of the target nucleic acid (see FIG. 3A-3F).

In some cases, a PAMmer having a specificity segment is referred to herein as a “5′ extended PAMmer.” The term “5′ extended PAMmer” refers to a situation in which a PAMmer includes nucleotides 5′ of the PAM sequence. The term “5′ extended PAMmer” encompasses a PAMmer having a specificity segment, but also encompasses a PAMmer that has nucleotides 5′ of the PAM sequence that do not constitute a specificity segment. Thus, in some cases, the nucleotides that are 5′ of the PAM sequence constitute a specificity segment (i.e., the nucleotides hybridize to the target nucleic acid)(see below for a more detailed discussion regarding a specificity segment), and in some cases, a PAMmer has nucleotides that are 5′ of the PAM sequence that do not constitute a specificity segment (do not hybridize with the target nucleic acid).

An orientation segment has a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a second target nucleotide sequence in a target nucleic acid (i.e., the sequence that is targeted by the orientation segment). In some cases, a subject PAMmer includes a PAM sequence and an orientation segment, but does not include a specificity segment. In some cases, a subject PAMmer includes a PAM sequence and a specificity segment, but does not include an orientation segment.

In some cases, a subject PAMmer includes a PAM sequence, an orientation segment, and a specificity segment. The number of nucleotides (nt) present in the PAMmer between a specificity segment and an orientation segment can depend on a number of factors that include, but are not limited to: the length of the PAM sequence (which is present between the specificity segment and the orientation segment); the number of nucleotides present between the target site and the orientation site of the target nucleic acid; the presence or absence of additional sequences (e.g., aptamers, protein binding sequences, linker nucleotides, stability sequences, etc.) between the specificity segment and the orientation segment; etc. In some embodiments, the number of nucleotides (nt) present in the PAMmer between a specificity segment and an orientation segment is in a range of from 2 nt to 100 nt (e.g., 2 nt to 90 nt, 2 nt to 80 nt, 2 nt to 70 nt, 2 nt to 60 nt, 2 nt to 50 nt, 2 nt to 40 nt, 2 nt to 30 nt, 2 nt to 25 nt, 2 nt to 20 nt, 2 nt to 15 nt, or 2 nt to 10 nt). In some embodiments, the number of nucleotides (nt) present in the PAMmer between the specificity segment and the orientation segment is 100 nt or less (e.g., 90 nt or less, 80 nt or less, 70 nt or less, 60 nt or less, 50 nt or less, 40 nt or less, 30 nt or less, 25 nt or less, 25 nt or less, 20 nt or less, 15 nt or less, or 10 nt or less).

In some embodiments, the PAM sequence is immediately adjacent to the orientation segment, immediately adjacent to the specificity segment, and/or immediately adjacent to both the orientation segment and the specificity segment. In some embodiments, the number of nucleotides (nt) present in the PAMmer between the PAM sequence and the specificity segment of the PAMmer is in a range of from 0 nt to 10 nt (e.g., 0 nt to 9 nt, 0 nt to 8 nt, 0 nt to 7 nt, 0 nt to 6 nt, 0 nt to 5 nt, 0 nt to 4 nt, 0 nt to 3 nt, 1 nt to 9 nt, 1 nt to 8 nt, 1 nt to 7 nt, 1 nt to 6 nt, 1 nt to 5 nt, 1 nt to 4 nt, 1 nt to 3 nt, 2 nt to 9 nt, 2 nt to 8 nt, 2 nt to 7 nt, 2 nt to 6 nt, 2 nt to 5 nt, 2 nt to 4 nt, or 2 nt to 3 nt). In some embodiments, 10 or less nt (e.g., 9 or less nt, 8 or less nt, 7 or less nt, 6 or less nt, 5 or less nt, 4 or less nt, 3 or less nt, 2 or less nt, 1 or less nt, or no nt) are present in the PAMmer between the PAM sequence and the specificity segment. In some embodiments, the number of nucleotides (nt) present in the PAMmer between the PAM sequence and the orientation segment of the PAMmer is in a range of from 0 nt to 10 nt (e.g., 0 nt to 9 nt, 0 nt to 8 nt, 0 nt to 7 nt, 0 nt to 6 nt, 0 nt to 5 nt, 0 nt to 4 nt, 0 nt to 3 nt, 1 nt to 9 nt, 1 nt to 8 nt, 1 nt to 7 nt, 1 nt to 6 nt, 1 nt to 5 nt, 1 nt to 4 nt, 1 nt to 3 nt, 2 nt to 9 nt, 2 nt to 8 nt, 2 nt to 7 nt, 2 nt to 6 nt, 2 nt to 5 nt, 2 nt to 4 nt, or 2 nt to 3 nt). In some embodiments, 10 or less nt (e.g., 9 or less nt, 8 or less nt, 7 or less nt, 6 or less nt, 5 or less nt, 4 or less nt, 3 or less nt, 2 or less nt, 1 or less nt, or no nt) are present in the PAMmer between the PAM sequence and the orientation segment.

In some embodiments, a PAMmer has a length (e.g., the PAM sequence and the orientation segment have a combined length) in a range of from 2 nt to 100 nt (e.g., 2 nt to 70 nt, 2 nt to 50 nt, 2 nt to 45 nt, 2 nt to 40 nt, 2 nt to 35 nt, 2 nt to 30 nt, 2 nt to 25 nt, 2 nt to 20 nt, 2 nt to 10 nt, 2 nt to 5 nt, 3 nt to 70 nt, 3 nt to 50 nt, 3 nt to 45 nt, 3 nt to 40 nt, 3 nt to 35 nt, 3 nt to 30 nt, 3 nt to 25 nt, 3 nt to 20 nt, 3 nt to 10 nt, 3 nt to 5 nt, 5 nt to 70 nt, 5 nt to 50 nt, 5 nt to 45 nt, 5 nt to 40 nt, 5 nt to 35 nt, 5 nt to 30 nt, 5 nt to 25 nt, 5 nt to 20 nt, 10 nt to 70 nt, 10 nt to 50 nt, 10 nt to 45 nt, 10 nt to 40 nt, 10 nt to 35 nt, 10 nt to 30 nt, 10 nt to 25 nt, 10 nt to 20 nt, 10 nt to 15 nt, 15 nt to 70 nt, 15 nt to 50 nt, 15 nt to 45 nt, 15 nt to 40 nt, 15 nt to 35 nt, 15 nt to 30 nt, 15 nt to 25 nt, or 15 nt to 20 nt).

In some cases, a PAMmer is a DNA molecule. In some cases, a PAMmer is an RNA molecule. In some cases, a PAMmer is a hybrid DNA/RNA molecule (e.g., in some cases, at least the PAM sequence of the PAMmer is DNA). In some cases the PAMmer has one or more modified nucleic acids (described in more detail below with respect to nucleic acid modifications). In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more nucleotides that are 2′-O-Methyl modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more LNA bases. In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more nucleotides that are linked by a phosphorothioate bond (i.e., the subject nucleic acid has one or more phosphorothioate linkages). In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)). In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has a combination of modified nucleotides. For example, a subject PAMmer can have a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)) in addition to having one or more nucleotides with other modifications (e.g., a 2′-O-Methyl nucleotide and/or a 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotide and/or a LNA base and/or a phosphorothioate linkage).

PAM Sequence

A wild type Cas9 protein normally has nuclease activity that cleaves a target nucleic acid (e.g., a double stranded DNA (dsDNA)) at a target site defined by the region of complementarity between the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid and the target nucleic acid. In some cases, site-specific modification (e.g., cleavage) of a target nucleic acid occurs at locations determined by both (i) base-pairing complementarity between the guide nucleic acid and the target nucleic acid; and (ii) a short motif referred to as the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) in the target nucleic acid. When a Cas9 protein binds to (in some cases cleaves) a dsDNA target nucleic acid, the PAM sequence that is recognized (bound) by the Cas9 protein is present on the non-complementary strand (the strand that does not hybridize with the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid) of the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA). Thus, when a Cas9 protein binds to (in some cases cleaves) a single stranded target nucleic acid, no PAM sequence is present because there is no non-complementary strand (see FIG. 3A-3F). A subject PAMmer provides a PAM sequence, which is positioned near the target site (the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid) by the orientation segment and/or the specificity segment of the PAMmer.

In some embodiments, the PAM sequence of the PAMmer is complementary to (i.e., hybridizes with) the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the PAM sequence of the PAMmer is not complementary to (i.e., does not hybridize with) the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, a PAM sequence of a PAMmer has a length in a range of from 1 nt to 15 nt (e.g., 1 nt to 14 nt, 1 nt to 13 nt, 1 nt to 12 nt, 1 nt to 11 nt, 1 nt to 10 nt, 1 nt to 9 nt, 1 nt to 9 nt, 1 nt to 8 nt, 1 nt to 7 nt, 1 nt to 6 nt, 1 nt to 5 nt, 1 nt to 4 nt, 1 nt to 3 nt, 2 nt to 15 nt, 2 nt to 14 nt, 2 nt to 13 nt, 2 nt to 12 nt, 2 nt to 11 nt, 2 nt to 10 nt, 2 nt to 9 nt, 2 nt to 8 nt, 2 nt to 7 nt, 2 nt to 6 nt, 2 nt to 5 nt, 2 nt to 4 nt, 2 nt to 3 nt, 2 nt, or 3 nt).

In some embodiments, e.g., when a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is derived from S. pyogenes or a closely related Cas9 is used (see for example, Chylinski et al., RNA Biol. 2013 May; 10(5):726-37; and Jinek et al., Science. 2012 Aug. 17; 337(6096):816-21; both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety), a PAM sequence (e.g., of a target nucleic acid, of a PAMmer, etc.) can be GG (5′-GG-3′), or can be 5′-NGG-3′, where N is any nucleotide. In some embodiments (e.g., when a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is derived from the Cas9 protein of Neisseria meningitidis or a closely related Cas9 is used), the PAM sequence (e.g., of a target nucleic acid, of a PAMmer, etc.) can be 5′-NNNNGANN-3′, 5′-NNNNGTTN-3′, 5′-NNNNGNNT-3′, 5′-NNNNGTNN-3′, 5′-NNNNGNTN-3′, or 5′-NNNNGATT-3′, where N is any nucleotide. In some embodiments (e.g., when a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is derived from Streptococcus thermophilus #1 or a closely related Cas9 is used), the PAM sequence (e.g., of a target nucleic acid, of a PAMmer, etc.) can be 5′-NNAGAA-3′, 5′-NNAGGA-3′, 5′-NNGGAA-3′, 5′-NNANAA-3′, or 5′-NNGGGA-3′ where N is any nucleotide. In some embodiments (e.g., when a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is derived from Treponema denticola (TD) or a closely related Cas9 is used), the PAM sequence (e.g., of a target nucleic acid, of a PAMmer, etc.) can be 5′-NAAAAN-3′, 5′-NAAAAC-3′, 5′-NAAANC-3′, 5′-NANAAC-3′, or 5′-NNAAAC-3′, where N is any nucleotide. As would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art, additional PAM sequences for other Cas9 polypeptides can readily be determined using bioinformatic analysis (e.g., analysis of genomic sequencing data). See Esvelt et al., Nat Methods. 2013 November; 10(11):1116-21, for additional information. Thus, in some cases a the target nucleic acid has a PAM sequence and the Cas9 guide RNA hybridizes to a sequence that adjacent to the PAM sequence.

Also as known in the art, the PAM-interacting domain can be derived from a Cas9 protein from a first species, and the PAM sequence can correspond to that domain. Thus, in some cases, a subject Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) has a PAM-interacting domain that is derived from a Cas9 protein of a first species, and other portions of the Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (e.g., the rest of the Cas9 protein) can be derived from the Cas9 protein of a second species.

Specificity Segment

A specificity segment can be present or absent in a subject PAMmer (the PAMmer has a specificity segment, an orientation segment, or both a specificity segment and an orientation segment), and when present, the specificity segment is positioned 5′ of the PAM sequence. As noted above, in some cases, a PAMmer having a specificity segment is referred to herein as a “5′-extended PAMmer.” The specificity segment hybridizes to (i.e., targets) a sequence of a target nucleic that overlaps with the target site such that the PAM sequence is positioned near the target site (i.e., the sequence of the target nucleic acid that is targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid). Thus, the PAMmer provides a PAM sequence at any desired location within a target nucleic acid (e.g., by designing the specificity segment of the PAMmer to hybridize to any desired nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid).

In cases where a PAMmer is used in a method of cleavage, the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid (which associates with a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is complementary to the target nucleic acid, and this is true whether or not the PAMmer has a specificity segment. In cases where a PAMmer is used in a method of binding, the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid (which associates with a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is complementary to the target nucleic acid when the PAMmer has a specificity segment, but the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid need not be complementary to the target nucleic acid when the PAMmer does not have a specificity segment (i.e., when the PAMmer has PAM sequence and an orientation segment, but not a specificity segment).

A specificity segment can have a length of from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 100 nt (e.g., from 3 nt to 80 nt, from 3 nt to 50 nt, from 3 nt to 40 nt, from 5 nt to 40 nt, from 5 nt to 35 nt, from 5 nt to 30 nt, from 5 nt to 25 nt, from 10 nt to 40 nt, from 10 nt to 35 nt, from 10 nt to 30 nt, from 10 nt to 25 nt, from 10 nt to 20 nt, from 12 nt to 40 nt, from 12 nt to 35 nt, from 12 nt to 30 nt, from 12 nt to 25 nt, from 12 nt to 20 nt, from 15 nt to 40 nt, from 15 nt to 35 nt, from 15 nt to 30 nt, from 15 nt to 25 nt, from 15 nt to 20 nt, from 17 nt to 40 nt, from 17 nt to 35 nt, from 17 nt to 30 nt, from 17 nt to 25 nt, from 17 nt to 20 nt, from 18 nt to 40 nt, from 18 nt to 35 nt, from 18 nt to 30 nt, from 18 nt to 25 nt, from 18 nt to 20 nt, from 20 nt to 40 nt, from 20 nt to 35 nt, from 20 nt to 30 nt, or from 20 nt to 25 nt). In some cases, the specificity segment is 20 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the specificity segment is 19 nucleotides in length.

The percent complementarity between the specificity segment and the sequence of the target nucleic acid targeted by the specificity segment (e.g., the target site, i.e., the site targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid) can be 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the specificity segment and the sequence of the target nucleic acid targeted by the specificity segment is 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) over about 10 to 30 contiguous nucleotides (nt) (e.g. 15 to 30 contiguous nt, 15 to 25 contiguous nt, 17 to 30 contiguous t, 17 to 25 contiguous t, or 18 to 22 contiguous nt). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the specificity segment and the sequence of the target nucleic acid targeted by the specificity segment is 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) over 10 or more contiguous nucleotides (nt) (e.g. 12 or more contiguous nt, 15 or more contiguous nt, 17 or more contiguous nt, 18 or more contiguous nt, 19 or more contiguous nt, or 20 or more contiguous nt).

In some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer is 100% identical to the target site (i.e., the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid). However, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer need not be 100% identical to the target site. For example, in some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer overlaps with the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid, but the overlap is not 100%. For example, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer can be a subset of the target site. In some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer is shorter than the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid. In some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer is longer than the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid. In some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer is the same length as the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid.

In some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer shares 2 nucleotides (nt) or more with the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid (e.g., 3 nt or more, 5 nt or more, 8 nt or more, 10 nt or more, 12 nt or more, 15 nt or more, 18 nt or more, etc.). In some cases, the sequence targeted by the specificity segment of a PAMmer shares 2 nucleotides (nt) to 30 nt with the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid (e.g., 5 nt to 30 nt, 5 nt to 25 nt, 5 nt to 22 nt, 8 nt to 30 nt, 8 nt to 25 nt, 8 nt to 22 nt, 8 nt to 20 nt, 10 nt to 30 nt, 10 nt to 25 nt, 10 nt to 22 nt, 10 nt to 20 nt, 12 nt to 30 nt, 12 nt to 25 nt, 12 nt to 22 nt, 12 nt to 20 nt, 15 nt to 30 nt, 15 nt to 25 nt, 15 nt to 22 nt, 15 nt to 20 nt, 18 nt to 30 nt, 18 nt to 25 nt, 18 nt to 22 nt, or 18 nt to 20 nt).

In some embodiments, a PAMmer has a specificity segment, but does not have an orientation segment (i.e., the PAMmer does not have a nucleotide sequence 3′ of the PAM sequence that hybridizes with the target nucleic acid) (FIG. 3E). In some such cases, the PAM sequence can be at the 3′ end of the PAMmer (i.e., the PAMmer can have 0 nucleotides 3′ of the PAM sequence), or the PAMmer can have 1 or more nucleotides (nt) 3′ of the PAM sequence (e.g., 2 or more nt, 3 or more nt, 4 or more nt, 5 or more nt, 10 or more nt, 15 or more nt, 20 or more nt, etc.), where the nucleotides 3′ of the PAM sequence do not hybridize to the target nucleic acid. In some cases in which a PAMmer does not have an orientation segment, a PAMmer can have a nucleotide sequence, 3′ of the PAM sequence, with a length in a range of from 1 nucleotide (nt) to 20 nt (e.g., from 1 nt to 18 nt, from 1 nt to 16 nt, from 1 nt to 14 nt, from 1 nt to 12 nt, from 1 nt to 10 nt, from 1 nt to 9 nt, from 1 nt to 8 nt, from 1 nt to 7 nt, from 1 nt to 6 nt, from 1 nt to 5 nt, from 1 nt to 4 nt, or from 1 nt to 3 nt), where the nucleotides 3′ of the PAM sequence do not hybridize to the target nucleic acid. For example, if a PAMmer has nucleotides 3′ of the PAM sequence that do hybridize to the target nucleic acid, then the nucleotides that hybridize would be considered an (or part of an) orientation segment.

In some cases, the length of the specificity segment inversely correlates with efficiency of the cleavage reaction and positively correlates with specificity (i.e., reduction of off-target effects). Thus, there can be a trade-off between the desired level of cleavage and the desired level of specificity. The presence (as well as the length) of a specificity segment can be determined based on the particular target nucleic acid, the nature/purpose of the method, and/or the desired outcome. For example, if maximum specificity is desired, but cleavage efficiency is not a concern, then a long specificity segment may be desirable. On the other hand, if maximum cleavage is desired, but specificity is not a concern (e.g., the orientation segment of the PAMmer provides for adequate specificity), then a shorter specificity segment (e.g., no specificity segment) may be desirable.

For methods of binding, the presence of a specificity segment can increase binding specificity. Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that this is because the specificity segment provides an energetic barrier to binding that can be overcome by the presence of a targeting segment in the guide nucleic acid that has complementarity to (i.e., can hybridize with) that target nucleic acid, thus displacing the specificity segment of the PAMmer.

Orientation Segment

An orientation segment can be present or absent in a subject PAMmer (the PAMmer has a specificity segment, an orientation segment, or both a specificity segment and an orientation segment), and when present, the orientation segment is positioned 3′ of the PAM sequence. The orientation segment hybridizes to (i.e., targets) a sequence of a target nucleic (the orientation site) such that the PAM sequence is positioned near the target site (i.e., the sequence of the target nucleic acid that is targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid). Thus, the PAMmer provides a PAM sequence at any desired location within a target nucleic acid (e.g., by designing the orientation segment of the PAMmer to hybridize to any desired nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid).

The orientation segment can have a length of from 3 nucleotides (nt) to 100 nt (e.g., from 3 nt to 80 nt, from 3 nt to 50 nt, from 3 nt to 40 nt, from 5 nt to 40 nt, from 5 nt to 35 nt, from 5 nt to 30 nt, from 5 nt to 25 nt, from 10 nt to 40 nt, from 10 nt to 35 nt, from 10 nt to 30 nt, from 10 nt to 25 nt, from 10 nt to 20 nt, from 12 nt to 40 nt, from 12 nt to 35 nt, from 12 nt to 30 nt, from 12 nt to 25 nt, from 12 nt to 20 nt, from 15 nt to 40 nt, from 15 nt to 35 nt, from 15 nt to 30 nt, from 15 nt to 25 nt, from 15 nt to 20 nt, from 17 nt to 40 nt, from 17 nt to 35 nt, from 17 nt to 30 nt, from 17 nt to 25 nt, from 17 nt to 20 nt, from 18 nt to 40 nt, from 18 nt to 35 nt, from 18 nt to 30 nt, from 18 nt to 25 nt, from 18 nt to 20 nt, from 20 nt to 40 nt, from 20 nt to 35 nt, from 20 nt to 30 nt, or from 20 nt to 25 nt). In some cases, the orientation segment is 20 nucleotides in length. In some cases, the orientation segment is 19 nucleotides in length.

The percent complementarity between the orientation segment and the sequence of the target nucleic acid targeted by the orientation segment can be 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the orientation segment and the sequence of the target nucleic acid targeted by the orientation segment is 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) over about 10 to 30 contiguous nucleotides (nt) (e.g. 15 to 30 contiguous nt, 15 to 25 contiguous nt, 17 to 30 contiguous nt, 17 to 25 contiguous nt, or 18 to 22 contiguous nt). In some cases, the percent complementarity between the orientation segment and the sequence of the target nucleic acid targeted by the orientation segment is 60% or more (e.g., 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more, or 100%) over 10 or more contiguous nucleotides (nt) (e.g. 12 or more contiguous nt, 15 or more contiguous nt, 17 or more contiguous nt, 18 or more contiguous nt, 19 or more contiguous nt, or 20 or more contiguous nt).

In some cases, the sequence targeted by the orientation segment of a PAMmer is immediately adjacent to the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid. In some embodiments, 10 or less nt (e.g., 9 or less nt, 8 or less nt, 7 or less nt, 6 or less nt, 5 or less nt, 4 or less nt, 3 or less nt, 2 or less nt, 1 or less nt, or no nt) are present in the target nucleic acid between the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid (i.e., the target site) and the sequence targeted by the orientation segment of the PAMmer. In some cases, the sequence of the target nucleic acid that is targeted by the orientation segment of a PAMmer is within 10 or fewer nucleotides (nt) (e.g., 9 or fewer nt, 8 or fewer nt, 7 or fewer nt, 6 or fewer nt, 5 or fewer nt, 4 or fewer nt, 3 or fewer nt, 2 or fewer nt, 1 or fewer nt, or no nt) of the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the number of nucleotides (nt) present in the target nucleic acid between the sequence targeted by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid (i.e., the target site) and the sequence targeted by the orientation segment of the PAMmer is in a range of from 0 nt to 10 nt (e.g., 0 nt to 9 nt, 0 nt to 8 nt, 0 nt to 7 nt, 0 nt to 6 nt, 0 nt to 5 nt, 0 nt to 4 nt, 0 nt to 3 nt, 1 nt to 9 nt, 1 nt to 8 nt, 1 nt to 7 nt, 1 nt to 6 nt, 1 nt to 5 nt, 1 nt to 4 nt, 1 nt to 3 nt, 2 nt to 9 nt, 2 nt to 8 nt, 2 nt to 7 nt, 2 nt to 6 nt, 2 nt to 5 nt, 2 nt to 4 nt, or 2 nt to 3 nt).

In some cases, a PAMmer has an orientation segment, but does not have a specificity segment (i.e., the PAMmer does not have a nucleotide sequence 5′ of the PAM sequence that hybridizes with the target nucleic acid), but does have an orientation segment (FIG. 3F). In some such cases, the PAM sequence can be at the 5′ end of the PAMmer (i.e., the PAMmer can have 0 nucleotides 5′ of the PAM sequence), or the PAMmer can have 1 or more nucleotides (nt) 5′ of the PAM sequence (e.g., 2 or more nt, 3 or more nt, 4 or more nt, 5 or more nt, 10 or more nt, 15 or more nt, 20 or more nt, etc.), where the nucleotides 5′ of the PAM sequence do not hybridize to the target nucleic acid. In some cases in which a PAMmer does not have a specificity segment, a PAMmer can have a nucleotide sequence, 5′ of the PAM sequence, with a length in a range of from 1 nucleotide (nt) to 20 nt (e.g., from 1 nt to 18 nt, from 1 nt to 16 nt, from 1 nt to 14 nt, from 1 nt to 12 nt, from 1 nt to 10 nt, from 1 nt to 9 nt, from 1 nt to 8 nt, from 1 nt to 7 nt, from 1 nt to 6 nt, from 1 nt to 5 nt, from 1 nt to 4 nt, or from 1 nt to 3 nt), where the nucleotides 5′ of the PAM sequence do not hybridize to the target nucleic acid. For example, if a PAMmer has nucleotides 5′ of the PAM sequence that do hybridize to the target nucleic acid, then the nucleotides that hybridize would be considered a (or part of a) specificity segment.

In some cases (e.g., those involving methods of binding, where the PAMmer does not have a specificity segment), the target site of the target nucleic acid can be determined by the orientation segment of the PAMmer and not by the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid. In some cases, the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid does not have complementarity to a nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid. In some cases, the targeting segment of the guide nucleic acid does not have complementarity to a nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid that is near (e.g., within 20 or fewer nucleotides (nt), within 30 or fewer nt, within 40 or fewer t, within 50 or fewer nt, within 60 or fewer nt, within 70 or fewer nt, within 80 or fewer nt, within 90 or fewer nt, or within 100 or fewer nt) the orientation site. However, the orientation segment of the PAMmer still positions the PAM sequence of the PAMmer such that the target nucleic acid can still be bound and/or cleaved by a subject Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein).

Nucleic Acids

The present disclosure provides a nucleic acid encoding (i.e., comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding) a subject variant Cas9 protein. In some cases, the nucleic acid also encodes a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., encodes an activator and a targeter of a dual Cas9 guide RNA, encodes a single guide RNA, etc.). In some cases, the nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein and an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA). In some cases, the nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein and a targeter (e.g., a crRNA, or a duplex-forming segment of a targeter 3′ of an insertion site for inserting a targeting sequence of interest). In some cases, the nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein, an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA), and a targeter (e.g., a crRNA, or a duplex-forming segment of a targeter 3′ of an insertion site for inserting a targeting sequence of interest). In some cases, the nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 single guide RNA.

The present disclosure provides a system of one or more nucleic acids encoding (i.e., comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding) a subject variant Cas9 protein. In some cases, the one or more nucleotides encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein and a guide RNA (e.g., encodes an activator RNA and a targeter RNA of a dual Cas9 guide RNA, encodes a single guide RNA, etc.). For example, in some cases, a first nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 guide RNA and an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA) and a second nucleic acid encodes a targeter (e.g., a crRNA, or a duplex-forming segment of a targeter 3′ of an insertion site for inserting a targeting sequence of interest). In some cases, a first nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 guide RNA and a targeter (e.g., a crRNA, or a duplex-forming segment of a targeter 3′ of an insertion site for inserting a targeting sequence of interest), while a second nucleic acid encodes an activator (e.g., a tracrRNA). In some cases, a first nucleic acid encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein and a second encodes a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., encodes an activator and a targeter of a dual Cas9 guide RNA, encodes a single guide RNA, etc.).

In some embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein is an expression vector, e.g., a recombinant expression vector. In some embodiments, a subject method involves contacting a target nucleic acid or introducing into a cell (or a population of cells) (where the cell comprises a target nucleic acid) one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some embodiments a cell comprising a target nucleic acid is in vitro. In some embodiments a cell comprising a target nucleic acid is in vivo. Suitable nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA include expression vectors, where an expression vector encoding (comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding) a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA is a “recombinant expression vector.”

In some embodiments, the recombinant expression vector is a viral construct, e.g., a recombinant adeno-associated virus construct (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,078,387), a recombinant adenoviral construct, a recombinant lentiviral construct, a recombinant retroviral construct, etc.

Suitable expression vectors include, but are not limited to, viral vectors (e.g. viral vectors based on vaccinia virus; poliovirus; adenovirus (see, e.g., Li et al., Invest Opthalmol Vis Sci 35:2543 2549, 1994; Borras et al., Gene Ther 6:515 524, 1999; Li and Davidson, PNAS 92:7700 7704, 1995; Sakamoto et al., H Gene Ther 5:1088 1097, 1999; WO 94/12649, WO 93/03769; WO 93/19191; WO 94/28938; WO 95/11984 and WO 95/00655); adeno-associated virus (see, e.g., Ali et al., Hum Gene Ther 9:81 86, 1998, Flannery et al., PNAS 94:6916 6921, 1997; Bennett et al., Invest Opthalmol Vis Sci 38:2857 2863, 1997; Jomary et al., Gene Ther 4:683 690, 1997, Rolling et al., Hum Gene Ther 10:641 648, 1999; Ali et al., Hum Mol Genet 5:591 594, 1996; Srivastava in WO 93/09239, Samulski et al., J. Vir. (1989) 63:3822-3828; Mendelson et al., Virol. (1988) 166:154-165; and Flotte et al., PNAS (1993) 90:10613-10617); SV40; herpes simplex virus; human immunodeficiency virus (see, e.g., Miyoshi et al., PNAS 94:10319 23, 1997; Takahashi et al., J Virol 73:7812 7816, 1999); a retroviral vector (e.g., Murine Leukemia Virus, spleen necrosis virus, and vectors derived from retroviruses such as Rous Sarcoma Virus, Harvey Sarcoma Virus, avian leukosis virus, a lentivirus, human immunodeficiency virus, myeloproliferative sarcoma virus, and mammary tumor virus); and the like.

Numerous suitable expression vectors are known to those of skill in the art, and many are commercially available. The following vectors are provided by way of example; for eukaryotic host cells: pXT1, pSG5 (Stratagene), pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG, and pSVLSV40 (Pharmacia). However, any other vector may be used so long as it is compatible with the host cell.

Depending on the host/vector system utilized, any of a number of suitable transcription and translation control elements, including constitutive and inducible promoters, transcription enhancer elements, transcription terminators, etc. may be used in the expression vector (see e.g., Bitter et al. (1987) Methods in Enzymology, 153:516-544).

In some embodiments, a nucleotide sequence (e.g., encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein, encoding a Cas9 guide RNA) is operably linked to a control element, e.g., a transcriptional control element, such as a promoter. The transcriptional control element may be functional (operable) in a cell of interest (e.g., a eukaryotic cell, e.g., a mammalian cell; or a prokaryotic cell, e.g., a bacterial or archaeal cell). In some embodiments, a nucleotide sequence (e.g., encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein, encoding a Cas9 guide RNA) is operably linked to multiple control elements that allow expression of the nucleotide sequence encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Non-limiting examples of suitable eukaryotic promoters (promoters functional in a eukaryotic cell) include those from cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early, herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase, early and late SV40, long terminal repeats (LTRs) from retrovirus, and mouse metallothionein-I. Selection of the appropriate vector and promoter is well within the level of ordinary skill in the art. The expression vector may also contain a ribosome binding site for translation initiation and a transcription terminator. The expression vector may also include appropriate sequences for amplifying expression. The expression vector may also include nucleotide sequences encoding protein tags (e.g., 6×His tag, hemagglutinin tag, green fluorescent protein, etc.) that are fused to the subject variant Cas9 protein, thus resulting in a chimeric polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA is operably linked to an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA is operably linked to a constitutive promoter.

A promoter can be a constitutively active promoter (i.e., a promoter that is constitutively in an active/“ON” state), it may be an inducible promoter (i.e., a promoter whose state, active/“ON” or inactive/“OFF”, is controlled by an external stimulus, e.g., the presence of a particular temperature, compound, or protein), it may be a spatially restricted promoter (i.e., transcriptional control element, enhancer, etc.)(e.g., tissue specific promoter, cell type specific promoter, etc.), and it may be a temporally restricted promoter (i.e., the promoter is in the “ON” state or “OFF” state during specific stages of embryonic development or during specific stages of a biological process, e.g., hair follicle cycle in mice).

Suitable promoters can be derived from viruses and can therefore be referred to as viral promoters, or they can be derived from any organism, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms. Suitable promoters can be used to drive expression by any RNA polymerase (e.g., pol I, pol II, pol III). Exemplary promoters include, but are not limited to the SV40 early promoter, mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter; adenovirus major late promoter (Ad MLP); a herpes simplex virus (HSV) promoter, a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter such as the CMV immediate early promoter region (CMVIE), a rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter, a human U6 small nuclear promoter (U6) (Miyagishi et al., Nature Biotechnology 20, 497-500 (2002)), an enhanced U6 promoter (e.g., Xia et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2003 Sep. 1; 31(17)), a human H1 promoter (H1), and the like.

Examples of inducible promoters include, but are not limited to T7 RNA polymerase promoter, T3 RNA polymerase promoter, Isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-regulated promoter, lactose induced promoter, heat shock promoter, Tetracycline-regulated promoter, Steroid-regulated promoter, Metal-regulated promoter, estrogen receptor-regulated promoter, etc. Inducible promoters can therefore be regulated by molecules including, but not limited to, doxycycline; RNA polymerase, e.g., T7 RNA polymerase; an estrogen receptor; an estrogen receptor fusion; etc.

In some embodiments, the promoter is a spatially restricted promoter (i.e., cell type specific promoter, tissue specific promoter, etc.) such that in a multi-cellular organism, the promoter is active (i.e., “ON”) in a subset of specific cells. Spatially restricted promoters may also be referred to as enhancers, transcriptional control elements, control sequences, etc. Any convenient spatially restricted promoter may be used and the choice of suitable promoter (e.g., a brain specific promoter, a promoter that drives expression in a subset of neurons, a promoter that drives expression in the germ line, a promoter that drives expression in the lungs, a promoter that drives expression in muscles, a promoter that drives expression in islet cells of the pancreas, etc.) will depend on the organism. For example, various spatially restricted promoters are known for plants, flies, worms, mammals, mice, etc. Thus, a spatially restricted promoter can be used to regulate the expression of a nucleic acid encoding a Cas9 protein in a wide variety of different tissues and cell types, depending on the organism. Some spatially restricted promoters are also temporally restricted such that the promoter is in the “ON” state or “OFF” state during specific stages of embryonic development or during specific stages of a biological process (e.g., hair follicle cycle in mice).

For illustration purposes, examples of spatially restricted promoters include, but are not limited to, neuron-specific promoters, adipocyte-specific promoters, cardiomyocyte-specific promoters, smooth muscle-specific promoters, photoreceptor-specific promoters, etc. Neuron-specific spatially restricted promoters include, but are not limited to, a neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter (see, e.g., EMBL HSENO2, X51956); an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) promoter; a neurofilament promoter (see, e.g., GenBank HUMNFL, L04147); a synapsin promoter (see, e.g., GenBank HUMSYNIB, M55301); a thy-1 promoter (see, e.g., Chen et al. (1987) Cell 51:7-19; and Llewellyn, et al. (2010) Nat. Med. 16(10):1161-1166); a serotonin receptor promoter (see, e.g., GenBank S62283); a tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH) (see, e.g., Oh et al. (2009) Gene Ther 16:437; Sasaoka et al. (1992) Mol. Brain Res. 16:274; Boundy et al. (1998) J. Neurosci. 18:9989; and Kaneda et al. (1991) Neuron 6:583-594); a GnRH promoter (see, e.g., Radovick et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:3402-3406); an L7 promoter (see, e.g., Oberdick et al. (1990) Science 248:223-226); a DNMT promoter (see, e.g., Bartge et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:3648-3652); an enkephalin promoter (see, e.g., Comb et al. (1988) EMBO J. 17:3793-3805); a myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter; a Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-alpha (CamKIIα) promoter (see, e.g., Mayford et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:13250; and Casanova et al. (2001) Genesis 31:37); a CMV enhancer/platelet-derived growth factor-β promoter (see, e.g., Liu et al. (2004) Gene Therapy 11:52-60); and the like.

Adipocyte-specific spatially restricted promoters include, but are not limited to aP2 gene promoter/enhancer, e.g., a region from −5.4 kb to +21 bp of a human aP2 gene (see, e.g., Tozzo et al. (1997) Endocrinol. 138:1604; Ross et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:9590; and Pavjani et al. (2005) Nat. Med. 11:797); a glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) promoter (see, e.g., Knight et al. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100:14725); a fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) promoter (see, e.g., Kuriki et al. (2002) Biol. Pharm. Bull. 25:1476; and Sato et al. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277:15703); a stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) promoter (Tabor et al. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274:20603); a leptin promoter (see, e.g., Mason et al. (1998) Endocrinol. 139:1013; and Chen et al. (1999) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm 262:187); an adiponectin promoter (see, e.g., Kita et al. (2005) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm 331:484; and Chakrabarti (2010) Endocrinol. 151:2408); an adipsin promoter (see, e.g., Platt et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:7490); a resistin promoter (see, e.g., Seo et al. (2003) Molec. Endocrinol. 17:1522); and the like.

Cardiomyocyte-specific spatially restricted promoters include, but are not limited to control sequences derived from the following genes: myosin light chain-2, α-myosin heavy chain, AE3, cardiac troponin C, cardiac actin, and the like. Franz et al. (1997) Cardiovasc. Res. 35:560-566; Robbins et al. (1995) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 752:492-505; Linn et al. (1995) Circ. Res. 76:584-591; Parmacek et al. (1994) Mol. Cell. Biol. 14:1870-1885; Hunter et al. (1993) Hypertension 22:608-617; and Sartorelli et al. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:4047-4051.

Smooth muscle-specific spatially restricted promoters include, but are not limited to an SM22a promoter (see, e.g., Akyürek et al. (2000) Mol. Med. 6:983; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,874); a smoothelin promoter (see, e.g., WO 2001/018048); an α-smooth muscle actin promoter; and the like. For example, a 0.4 kb region of the SM22a promoter, within which lie two CArG elements, has been shown to mediate vascular smooth muscle cell-specific expression (see, e.g., Kim, et al. (1997) Mol. Cell. Biol. 17, 2266-2278; Li, et al., (1996) J. Cell Biol. 132, 849-859; and Moessler, et al. (1996) Development 122, 2415-2425).

Photoreceptor-specific spatially restricted promoters include, but are not limited to, a rhodopsin promoter; a rhodopsin kinase promoter (Young et al. (2003) Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 44:4076); a beta phosphodiesterase gene promoter (Nicoud et al. (2007) J. Gene Med. 9:1015); a retinitis pigmentosa gene promoter (Nicoud et al. (2007) supra); an interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) gene enhancer (Nicoud et al. (2007) supra); an IRBP gene promoter (Yokoyama et al. (1992) Exp Eye Res. 55:225); and the like.

In some embodiments, a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein can be codon optimized. Thus, in some cases, a nucleic acid includes a codon-optimized nucleotide sequence that encodes a subject variant Cas9 protein. In some cases, a codon optimized nucleotide sequence encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein encodes a chimeric Cas9 protein (a Cas9 fusion protein) and/or a split Cas9 protein. Codon optimization is known in the art and entails the mutation of foreign-derived DNA to mimic the codon preferences of the intended host organism or host cell while encoding the same protein. Thus, the codons are changed, but the encoded protein remains unchanged. For example, if the intended target and/or host cell was a human cell, a Cas9 protein, or Cas9 variant, encoded by a human codon optimized nucleotide sequence would be a suitable Cas9 protein. As another non-limiting example, if the intended target and/or host cell was a mouse cell, a Cas9 protein, or Cas9 variant, encoded by a mouse codon optimized nucleotide sequence would be a suitable Cas9 protein. While codon optimization is not required, it is acceptable and may be preferable in certain cases.

Methods of introducing a nucleic acid into a host cell are known in the art, and any known method can be used to introduce a nucleic acid (e.g., an expression construct) into a cell. Suitable methods include e.g., viral or bacteriophage infection, transfection, conjugation, protoplast fusion, lipofection, nucleofection, electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-mediated transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, liposome-mediated transfection, particle gun technology, calcium phosphate precipitation, direct micro injection, nanoparticle-mediated nucleic acid delivery (see, e.g., Panyam et., al Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2012 Sep. 13. pii: 50169-409X(12)00283-9. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.09.023), and the like.

In some embodiments, a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA and/or

PAMmer can be provided as RNA. In such cases, the RNA can be produced by direct chemical synthesis or may be transcribed in vitro from a DNA (e.g., encoding the variant Cas9 protein, the Cas9 guide RNA, the PAMmer, etc.). Methods of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template are well known in the art. In some cases, the variant Cas9 protein, the Cas9 guide RNA, and/or the PAMmer will be synthesized in vitro using an RNA polymerase enzyme (e.g., T7 polymerase, T3 polymerase, SP6 polymerase, etc.). Once synthesized, the RNA may directly contact a target nucleic acid or may be introduced into a cell by any of the well-known techniques for introducing nucleic acids into cells (e.g., microinjection, electroporation, nucleofection, transfection, etc). In some cases, a PAMmer is a DNA oligonucleotide and can be produced using any convenient method (e.g., chemical synthesis).

Nucleotides encoding a Cas9 guide RNA (introduced either as DNA or RNA) and/or a Cas9 protein (introduced as DNA or RNA) and/or a PAMmer (introduced either as DNA or RNA) may be provided to the cells using well-developed transfection techniques; see, e.g. Angel and Yanik (2010) PLoS ONE 5(7): e11756, and the commercially available TransMessenger® reagents from Qiagen, Stemfect™ RNA Transfection Kit from Stemgent, and TransIT®-mRNA Transfection Kit from Mirus Bio LLC. See also Beumer et al. (2008) Efficient gene targeting in Drosophila by direct embryo injection with zinc-finger nucleases. PNAS 105(50):19821-19826. Alternatively, nucleic acids encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein and/or a PAMmer may be provided on DNA vectors. Many vectors, e.g. plasmids, cosmids, minicircles, phage, viruses, etc., useful for transferring nucleic acids into target cells are available. The vectors comprising the nucleic acid(s) may be maintained episomally, e.g. as plasmids, minicircle DNAs, viruses such cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, etc., or they may be integrated into the target cell genome, through homologous recombination or random integration, e.g. retrovirus-derived vectors such as MMLV, HIV-1, ALV, etc.

Vectors may be provided directly to the subject cells. In other words, the cells are contacted with vectors comprising the nucleic acid encoding Cas9 guide RNA and/or a variant Cas9 protein and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein and/or a PAMmer such that the vectors are taken up by the cells. Methods for contacting cells with nucleic acid vectors that are plasmids, including electroporation, calcium chloride transfection, microinjection, and lipofection are well known in the art. For viral vector delivery, the cells are contacted with viral particles comprising the nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein and/or a PAMmer. Retroviruses, for example, lentiviruses, are suitable for use in methods of the present disclosure. Commonly used retroviral vectors are “defective”, i.e. unable to produce viral proteins required for productive infection. Rather, replication of the vector requires growth in a packaging cell line. To generate viral particles comprising nucleic acids of interest, the retroviral nucleic acids comprising the nucleic acid are packaged into viral capsids by a packaging cell line. Different packaging cell lines provide a different envelope protein (ecotropic, amphotropic or xenotropic) to be incorporated into the capsid, this envelope protein determining the specificity of the viral particle for the cells (ecotropic for murine and rat; amphotropic for most mammalian cell types including human, dog and mouse; and xenotropic for most mammalian cell types except murine cells). The appropriate packaging cell line may be used to ensure that the cells are targeted by the packaged viral particles. Methods of introducing the retroviral vectors comprising the nucleic acid encoding the reprogramming factors into packaging cell lines and of collecting the viral particles that are generated by the packaging lines are well known in the art. Nucleic acids can also introduced by direct micro-injection (e.g., injection of RNA into a zebrafish embryo).

Vectors used for providing the nucleic acids encoding Cas9 guide RNA and/or a Cas9 protein and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein and/or a PAMmer to the subject cells will typically comprise suitable promoters for driving the expression, that is, transcriptional activation, of the nucleic acid of interest. In other words, the nucleic acid of interest will be operably linked to a promoter. This may include ubiquitously acting promoters, for example, the CMV-β-actin promoter, or inducible promoters, such as promoters that are active in particular cell populations or that respond to the presence of drugs such as tetracycline. By transcriptional activation, it is intended that transcription will be increased above basal levels in the target cell by 10 fold, by 100 fold, more usually by 1000 fold. In addition, vectors used for providing a subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein and/or a PAMmer to the subject cells may include nucleic acid sequences that encode for selectable markers in the target cells, so as to identify cells that have taken up the Cas9 guide RNA and/or a Cas9 protein and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein and/or a PAMmer.

A subject variant Cas9 protein and/or a Cas9 guide RNA and/or a chimeric Cas9 protein may instead be used to contact target nucleic acid (e.g., introduced into cells) as RNA (e.g., an mRNA encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein). Methods of introducing RNA into cells are known in the art and may include, for example, direct injection, transfection, or any other method used for the introduction of DNA.

A variant Cas9 protein may be provided to cells as a polypeptide (e.g., introduced into cells as a protein). Such a polypeptide may optionally be fused to a polypeptide domain that increases solubility of the product. The domain may be linked to the polypeptide through a defined protease cleavage site, e.g. a TEV sequence, which is cleaved by TEV protease. The linker may also include one or more flexible sequences, e.g. from 1 to 10 glycine residues. In some embodiments, the cleavage of the fusion protein is performed in a buffer that maintains solubility of the product, e.g. in the presence of from 0.5 to 2 M urea, in the presence of polypeptides and/or polynucleotides that increase solubility, and the like. Domains of interest include endosomolytic domains, e.g. influenza HA domain; and other polypeptides that aid in production, e.g. IF2 domain, GST domain, GRPE domain, and the like. The polypeptide may be formulated for improved stability. For example, the peptides may be PEGylated, where the polyethyleneoxy group provides for enhanced lifetime in the blood stream.

Additionally or alternatively, the Cas9 protein may be fused to a polypeptide permeant domain to promote uptake by the cell. A number of permeant domains are known in the art and may be used in the non-integrating polypeptides of the present disclosure, including peptides, peptidomimetics, and non-peptide carriers. For example, a permeant peptide may be derived from the third alpha helix of Drosophila melanogaster transcription factor Antennapaedia, referred to as penetratin, which comprises the amino acid sequence RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ ID NO:268). As another example, the permeant peptide comprises the HIV-1 tat basic region amino acid sequence, which may include, for example, amino acids 49-57 of naturally-occurring tat protein. Other permeant domains include poly-arginine motifs, for example, the region of amino acids 34-56 of HIV-1 rev protein, nona-arginine, octa-arginine, and the like. (See, for example, Futaki et al. (2003) Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2003 April; 4(2): 87-9 and 446; and Wender et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 2000 Nov. 21; 97(24):13003-8; published U.S. Patent applications 20030220334; 20030083256; 20030032593; and 20030022831, herein specifically incorporated by reference for the teachings of translocation peptides and peptoids). The nona-arginine (R9) sequence is one of the more efficient PTDs that have been characterized (Wender et al. 2000; Uemura et al. 2002). The site at which the fusion is made may be selected in order to optimize the biological activity, secretion or binding characteristics of the polypeptide. The optimal site will be determined by routine experimentation.

A variant Cas9 protein may be produced in vitro or by eukaryotic cells or by prokaryotic cells, and it may be further processed by unfolding, e.g. heat denaturation, DTT reduction, etc. and may be further refolded, using methods known in the art.

Modifications of interest that do not alter primary sequence include chemical derivatization of polypeptides, e.g., acylation, acetylation, carboxylation, amidation, etc. Also included are modifications of glycosylation, e.g. those made by modifying the glycosylation patterns of a polypeptide during its synthesis and processing or in further processing steps; e.g. by exposing the polypeptide to enzymes which affect glycosylation, such as mammalian glycosylating or deglycosylating enzymes. Also embraced are sequences that have phosphorylated amino acid residues, e.g. phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, or phosphothreonine.

Also suitable for inclusion in embodiments of the present disclosure are Cas9 guide RNAs, PAMmers (e.g., quenched PAMmers), and Cas9 proteins that have been modified using ordinary molecular biological techniques and synthetic chemistry so as to improve their resistance to proteolytic degradation, to change the target sequence specificity, to optimize solubility properties, to alter protein activity (e.g., transcription modulatory activity, enzymatic activity, etc.) or to render them more suitable as a therapeutic agent. Analogs of such polypeptides include those containing residues other than naturally occurring L-amino acids, e.g. D-amino acids or non-naturally occurring synthetic amino acids. D-amino acids may be substituted for some or all of the amino acid residues.

The Cas9 proteins may be prepared by in vitro synthesis, using conventional methods as known in the art. Various commercial synthetic apparatuses are available, for example, automated synthesizers by Applied Biosystems, Inc., Beckman, etc. By using synthesizers, naturally occurring amino acids may be substituted with unnatural amino acids. The particular sequence and the manner of preparation will be determined by convenience, economics, purity required, and the like.

If desired, various groups may be introduced into the peptide during synthesis or during expression, which allow for linking to other molecules or to a surface. Thus cysteines can be used to make thioethers, histidines for linking to a metal ion complex, carboxyl groups for forming amides or esters, amino groups for forming amides, and the like.

The Cas9 proteins may also be isolated and purified in accordance with conventional methods of recombinant synthesis. A lysate may be prepared of the expression host and the lysate purified using HPLC, exclusion chromatography, gel electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, or other purification technique. For the most part, the compositions which are used will comprise 20% or more by weight of the desired product, more usually 75% or more by weight, preferably 95% or more by weight, and for therapeutic purposes, usually 99.5% or more by weight, in relation to contaminants related to the method of preparation of the product and its purification. Usually, the percentages will be based upon total protein.

To induce cleavage or any desired modification to a target nucleic acid, or any desired modification to a polypeptide associated with target nucleic acid, the Cas9 guide RNA and/or the Cas9 protein and/or the PAMmer, whether they be introduced as nucleic acids or polypeptides, are provided to the cells for about 30 minutes to about 24 hours, e.g., 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 16 hours, 18 hours, 20 hours, or any other period from about 30 minutes to about 24 hours, which may be repeated with a frequency of about every day to about every 4 days, e.g., every 1.5 days, every 2 days, every 3 days, or any other frequency from about every day to about every four days. The agent(s) may be provided to the subject cells one or more times, e.g. one time, twice, three times, or more than three times, and the cells allowed to incubate with the agent(s) for some amount of time following each contacting event e.g. 16-24 hours, after which time the media is replaced with fresh media and the cells are cultured further.

In cases in which two or more different targeting complexes are provided to the cell (e.g., two different Cas9 guide RNAs that are complementary to different sequences within the same or different target nucleic acid), the complexes may be provided simultaneously (e.g. as two polypeptides and/or nucleic acids), or delivered simultaneously. Alternatively, they may be provided consecutively, e.g. the targeting complex being provided first, followed by the second targeting complex, etc. or vice versa.

Nucleic Acid Modifications

In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a DNA or RNA encoding a variant Cas9 protein, a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has one or more modifications, e.g., a base modification, a backbone modification, etc., to provide the nucleic acid with a new or enhanced feature (e.g., improved stability). A nucleoside is a base-sugar combination. The base portion of the nucleoside is normally a heterocyclic base. The two most common classes of such heterocyclic bases are the purines and the pyrimidines. Nucleotides are nucleosides that further include a phosphate group covalently linked to the sugar portion of the nucleoside. For those nucleosides that include a pentofuranosyl sugar, the phosphate group can be linked to the 2′, the 3′, or the 5′ hydroxyl moiety of the sugar. In forming oligonucleotides, the phosphate groups covalently link adjacent nucleosides to one another to form a linear polymeric compound. In turn, the respective ends of this linear polymeric compound can be further joined to form a circular compound, however, linear compounds are suitable. In addition, linear compounds may have internal nucleotide base complementarity and may therefore fold in a manner as to produce a fully or partially double-stranded compound. Within oligonucleotides, the phosphate groups are commonly referred to as forming the internucleoside backbone of the oligonucleotide. The normal linkage or backbone of RNA and DNA is a 3′ to 5′ phosphodiester linkage.

Suitable nucleic acid modifications include, but are not limited to: 2′O-methyl modified nucleotides, 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotides, locked nucleic acid (LNA) modified nucleotides, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) modified nucleotides, nucleotides with phosphorothioate linkages, and a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)). Additional details and additional modifications are described below.

In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are modified). In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified). In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that are modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that are modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that are modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%).

In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are modified). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified).

In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are modified (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are modified). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified (e.g., e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that are modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that are modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that are modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10).

In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are modified). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are modified). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are modified).

A 2′-O-Methyl modified nucleotide (also referred to as 2′-O-Methyl RNA) is a naturally occurring modification of RNA found in tRNA and other small RNAs that arises as a post-transcriptional modification. Oligonucleotides can be directly synthesized that contain 2′-O-Methyl RNA. This modification increases Tm of RNA:RNA duplexes but results in only small changes in RNA:DNA stability. It is stable with respect to attack by single-stranded ribonucleases and is typically 5 to 10-fold less susceptible to DNases than DNA. It is commonly used in antisense oligos as a means to increase stability and binding affinity to the target message.

In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that are 2′-O-Methyl modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that are 2′-O-Methyl modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that are 2′-O-Methyl modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%).

In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified).

In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that are 2′-O-Methyl modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that are 2′-O-Methyl modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that are 2′-O-Methyl modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10).

In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′-O-Methyl modified). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′-O-Methyl modified).

2′ Fluoro modified nucleotides (e.g., 2′ Fluoro bases) have a fluorine modified ribose which increases binding affinity (Tm) and also confers some relative nuclease resistance when compared to native RNA. These modifications are commonly employed in ribozymes and siRNAs to improve stability in serum or other biological fluids.

In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, 2% or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 3% or more, 5% or more, 7.5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 100% of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that are 2′ Fluoro modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that are 2′ Fluoro modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that are 2′ Fluoro modified is in a range of from 3% to 100% (e.g., 3% to 100%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 100%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 100%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%).

In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified).

In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that are 2′ Fluoro modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that are 2′ Fluoro modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that are 2′ Fluoro modified is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10).

In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer are 2′ Fluoro modified). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA are 2′ Fluoro modified).

LNA bases have a modification to the ribose backbone that locks the base in the C3′-endo position, which favors RNA A-type helix duplex geometry. This modification significantly increases Tm and is also very nuclease resistant. Multiple LNA insertions can be placed in an oligo at any position except the 3′-end. Applications have been described ranging from antisense oligos to hybridization probes to SNP detection and allele specific PCR. Due to the large increase in Tm conferred by LNAs, they also can cause an increase in primer dimer formation as well as self-hairpin formation. In some cases, the number of LNAs incorporated into a single oligo is 10 bases or less.

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that have an LNA base is in a range of from 3% to 99% (e.g., 3% to 99%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 99%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 99%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that have an LNA base is in a range of from 3% to 99% (e.g., 3% to 99%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 99%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 99%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that have an LNA base is in a range of from 3% to 99% (e.g., 3% to 99%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 99%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 99%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%).

In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) have an LNA base (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid have an LNA base). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have an LNA base (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have an LNA base). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have an LNA base (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have an LNA base).

In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) have an LNA base (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid have an LNA base). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have an LNA base (e.g., e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have an LNA base). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have an LNA base (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have an LNA base).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that have an LNA base is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that have an LNA base is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that have an LNA base is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10).

In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) have an LNA base (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid have an LNA base). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have an LNA base (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have an LNA base). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have an LNA base (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have an LNA base).

The phosphorothioate (PS) bond (i.e., a phosphorothioate linkage) substitutes a sulfur atom for a non-bridging oxygen in the phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid (e.g., an oligo). This modification renders the internucleotide linkage resistant to nuclease degradation. Phosphorothioate bonds can be introduced between the last 3-5 nucleotides at the 5′- or 3′-end of the oligo to inhibit exonuclease degradation. Including phosphorothioate bonds within the oligo (e.g., throughout the entire oligo) can help reduce attack by endonucleases as well.

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that have a phosphorothioate linkage is in a range of from 3% to 99% (e.g., 3% to 99%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 99%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 99%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that have a phosphorothioate linkage is in a range of from 3% to 99% (e.g., 3% to 99%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 99%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 99%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that have a phosphorothioate linkage is in a range of from 3% to 99% (e.g., 3% to 99%, 3% to 95%, 3% to 90%, 3% to 85%, 3% to 80%, 3% to 75%, 3% to 70%, 3% to 65%, 3% to 60%, 3% to 55%, 3% to 50%, 3% to 45%, 3% to 40%, 5% to 99%, 5% to 95%, 5% to 90%, 5% to 85%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 75%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 65%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 55%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 45%, 5% to 40%, 10% to 99%, 10% to 95%, 10% to 90%, 10% to 85%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 75%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 65%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 55%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 45%, or 10% to 40%).

In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid have a phosphorothioate linkage). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have a phosphorothioate linkage). In some cases, one or more of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 11 or more, 12 or more, 13 or more, 14 or more, 15 or more, 16 or more, 17 or more, 18 or more, 19 or more, 20 or more, 21 or more, 22 or more, or all of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have a phosphorothioate linkage).

In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid have a phosphorothioate linkage). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have a phosphorothioate linkage). In some cases, 99% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 99% or less, 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, or 45% or less of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have a phosphorothioate linkage).

In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) that have a phosphorothioate linkage is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a subject PAMmer that have a phosphorothioate linkage is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10). In some cases, the number of nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA that have a phosphorothioate linkage is in a range of from 1 to 30 (e.g., 1 to 25, 1 to 20, 1 to 18, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 18, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 25, 3 to 20, 3 to 18, 3 to 15, or 3 to 10).

In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject nucleic acid have a phosphorothioate linkage). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a subject PAMmer have a phosphorothioate linkage). In some cases, 20 or fewer of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have a phosphorothioate linkage (e.g., 19 or fewer, 18 or fewer, 17 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 15 or fewer, 14 or fewer, 13 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 11 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 9 or fewer, 8 or fewer, 7 or fewer, 6 or fewer, 5 or fewer, 4 or fewer, 3 or fewer, 2 or fewer, or one, of the nucleotides of a Cas9 guide RNA have a phosphorothioate linkage).

In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has one or more nucleotides that are 2′-O-Methyl modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has one or more 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has one or more LNA bases. In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has one or more nucleotides that are linked by a phosphorothioate bond (i.e., the subject nucleic acid has one or more phosphorothioate linkages). In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)).

In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., a DNA or RNA encoding a variant Cas9 protein, a Cas9 guide RNA, a PAMmer, etc.) has a combination of modified nucleotides. For example, a subject nucleic acid can have a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)) in addition to having one or more nucleotides with other modifications (e.g., a 2′-O-Methyl nucleotide and/or a 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotide and/or a LNA base and/or a phosphorothioate linkage). A subject nucleic acid can have any combination of modifications. For example, a subject nucleic acid can have any combination of the above described modifications.

In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA has one or more nucleotides that are 2′-O-Methyl modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA has one or more 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA has one or more LNA bases. In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA has one or more nucleotides that are linked by a phosphorothioate bond (i.e., the subject nucleic acid has one or more phosphorothioate linkages). In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA has a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)).

In some embodiments, a Cas9 guide RNA has a combination of modified nucleotides. For example, a Cas9 guide RNA can have a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)) in addition to having one or more nucleotides with other modifications (e.g., a 2′-O-Methyl nucleotide and/or a 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotide and/or a LNA base and/or a phosphorothioate linkage). A Cas9 guide RNA can have any combination of modifications. For example, a Cas9 guide RNA can have any combination of the above described modifications.

In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more nucleotides that are 2′-O-Methyl modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotides. In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more LNA bases. In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has one or more nucleotides that are linked by a phosphorothioate bond (i.e., the subject nucleic acid has one or more phosphorothioate linkages). In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)). In some embodiments, a subject PAMmer has a combination of modified nucleotides. For example, a subject PAMmer can have a 5′ cap (e.g., a 7-methylguanylate cap (m7G)) in addition to having one or more nucleotides with other modifications (e.g., a 2′-O-Methyl nucleotide and/or a 2′ Fluoro modified nucleotide and/or a LNA base and/or a phosphorothioate linkage).

Modified Backbones and Modified Internucleoside Linkages

Examples of suitable nucleic acids containing modifications include nucleic acids containing modified backbones or non-natural internucleoside linkages. Nucleic acids having modified backbones include those that retain a phosphorus atom in the backbone and those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone.

Suitable modified oligonucleotide backbones containing a phosphorus atom therein include, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3′-alkylene phosphonates, 5′-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3′-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, phosphorodiamidates, thionophosphoramidates, thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, selenophosphates and boranophosphates having normal 3′-5′ linkages, 2′-5′ linked analogs of these, and those having inverted polarity wherein one or more internucleotide linkages is a 3′ to 3′, 5′ to 5′ or 2′ to 2′ linkage. Suitable oligonucleotides having inverted polarity comprise a single 3′ to 3′ linkage at the 3′-most internucleotide linkage i.e. a single inverted nucleoside residue which may be a basic (the nucleobase is missing or has a hydroxyl group in place thereof). Various salts (such as, for example, potassium or sodium), mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.

In some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid comprises one or more phosphorothioate and/or heteroatom internucleoside linkages, in particular —CH₂—NH—O—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—O—CH₂— (known as a methylene (methylimino) or MMI backbone), —CH₂—O—N(CH₃)—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—N(CH₃)—CH₂— and —O—N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂— (wherein the native phosphodiester internucleotide linkage is represented as —O—P(═O)(OH)—O—CH₂—). MMI type internucleoside linkages are disclosed in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,677. Suitable amide internucleoside linkages are disclosed in t U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,240.

Also suitable are nucleic acids having morpholino backbone structures as described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506. For example, in some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid comprises a 6-membered morpholino ring in place of a ribose ring. In some of these embodiments, a phosphorodiamidate or other non-phosphodiester internucleoside linkage replaces a phosphodiester linkage.

Suitable modified polynucleotide backbones that do not include a phosphorus atom therein have backbones that are formed by short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, mixed heteroatom and alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, or one or more short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic internucleoside linkages. These include those having morpholino linkages (formed in part from the sugar portion of a nucleoside); siloxane backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone backbones; formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; methylene formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; riboacetyl backbones; alkene containing backbones; sulfamate backbones; methyleneimino and methylenehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N, O, S and CH₂ component parts.

Mimetics

A subject nucleic acid can be a nucleic acid mimetic. The term “mimetic” as it is applied to polynucleotides is intended to include polynucleotides wherein only the furanose ring or both the furanose ring and the internucleotide linkage are replaced with non-furanose groups, replacement of only the furanose ring is also referred to in the art as being a sugar surrogate. The heterocyclic base moiety or a modified heterocyclic base moiety is maintained for hybridization with an appropriate target nucleic acid. One such nucleic acid, a polynucleotide mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA, the sugar-backbone of a polynucleotide is replaced with an amide containing backbone, in particular an aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleotides are retained and are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone.

One polynucleotide mimetic that has been reported to have excellent hybridization properties is a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). The backbone in PNA compounds is two or more linked aminoethylglycine units which gives PNA an amide containing backbone. The heterocyclic base moieties are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone. Representative U.S. patents that describe the preparation of PNA compounds include, but are not limited to: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262.

Another class of polynucleotide mimetic that has been studied is based on linked morpholino units (morpholino nucleic acid) having heterocyclic bases attached to the morpholino ring. A number of linking groups have been reported that link the morpholino monomeric units in a morpholino nucleic acid. One class of linking groups has been selected to give a non-ionic oligomeric compound. The non-ionic morpholino-based oligomeric compounds are less likely to have undesired interactions with cellular proteins. Morpholino-based polynucleotides are non-ionic mimics of oligonucleotides which are less likely to form undesired interactions with cellular proteins (Dwaine A. Braasch and David R. Corey, Biochemistry, 2002, 41(14), 4503-4510). Morpholino-based polynucleotides are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506. A variety of compounds within the morpholino class of polynucleotides have been prepared, having a variety of different linking groups joining the monomeric subunits.

A further class of polynucleotide mimetic is referred to as cyclohexenyl nucleic acids (CeNA). The furanose ring normally present in a DNA/RNA molecule is replaced with a cyclohexenyl ring. CeNA DMT protected phosphoramidite monomers have been prepared and used for oligomeric compound synthesis following classical phosphoramidite chemistry. Fully modified CeNA oligomeric compounds and oligonucleotides having specific positions modified with CeNA have been prepared and studied (see Wang et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000, 122, 8595-8602). In general the incorporation of CeNA monomers into a DNA chain increases its stability of a DNA/RNA hybrid. CeNA oligoadenylates formed complexes with RNA and DNA complements with similar stability to the native complexes. The study of incorporating CeNA structures into natural nucleic acid structures was shown by NMR and circular dichroism to proceed with easy conformational adaptation.

A further modification includes Locked Nucleic Acids (LNAs) in which the 2′-hydroxyl group is linked to the 4′ carbon atom of the sugar ring thereby forming a 2′-C,4′-C-oxymethylene linkage thereby forming a bicyclic sugar moiety. The linkage can be a methylene (—CH₂—), group bridging the 2′ oxygen atom and the 4′ carbon atom wherein n is 1 or 2 (Singh et al., Chem. Commun., 1998, 4, 455-456). LNA and LNA analogs display very high duplex thermal stabilities with complementary DNA and RNA (Tm=+3 to +10° C.), stability towards 3′-exonucleolytic degradation and good solubility properties. Potent and nontoxic antisense oligonucleotides containing LNAs have been described (e.g., Wahlestedt et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2000, 97, 5633-5638).

The synthesis and preparation of the LNA monomers adenine, cytosine, guanine, 5-methyl-cytosine, thymine and uracil, along with their oligomerization, and nucleic acid recognition properties have been described (e.g., Koshkin et al., Tetrahedron, 1998, 54, 3607-3630). LNAs and preparation thereof are also described in WO 98/39352 and WO 99/14226, as well as U.S. applications 20120165514, 20100216983, 20090041809, 20060117410, 20040014959, 20020094555, and 20020086998.

Modified Sugar Moieties

A subject nucleic acid can also include one or more substituted sugar moieties. Suitable polynucleotides comprise a sugar substituent group selected from: OH; F; O-, S-, or N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; O-, S- or N-alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl may be substituted or unsubstituted C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl or C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl and alkynyl. Particularly suitable are O((CH₂)_(n)O)_(m)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)OCH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)ONH₂, and O(CH₂)_(n)ON((CH₂)_(n)CH₃)₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. Other suitable polynucleotides comprise a sugar substituent group selected from: C₁ to C₁₀ lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an oligonucleotide, and other substituents having similar properties. A suitable modification includes 2′-methoxyethoxy (2′-O—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, also known as 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2′-MOE) (Martin et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504) i.e., an alkoxyalkoxy group. A further suitable modification includes 2′-dimethylaminooxyethoxy, i.e., a O(CH₂)₂ON(CH₃)₂ group, also known as 2′-DMAOE, as described in examples herein below, and 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also known in the art as 2′-O-dimethyl-amino-ethoxy-ethyl or 2′-DMAEOE), i.e., 2′-O—CH₂—O—CH₂—N(CH₃)₂.

Other suitable sugar substituent groups include methoxy (—O—CH₃), aminopropoxy (—OCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂), allyl (—CH₂—CH═CH₂), —O-allyl (—O—CH₂—CH═CH₂) and fluoro (F). 2′-sugar substituent groups may be in the arabino (up) position or ribo (down) position. A suitable 2′-arabino modification is 2′-F. Similar modifications may also be made at other positions on the oligomeric compound, particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleoside or in 2′-5′ linked oligonucleotides and the 5′ position of 5′ terminal nucleotide. Oligomeric compounds may also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar.

Base Modifications and Substitutions

A subject nucleic acid may also include nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as “base”) modifications or substitutions. As used herein, “unmodified” or “natural” nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl (—C═C—CH₃) uracil and cytosine and other alkynyl derivatives of pyrimidine bases, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl and other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-halo particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 2-F-adenine, 2-amino-adenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-deazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine. Further modified nucleobases include tricyclic pyrimidines such as phenoxazine cytidine(1H-pyrimido(5,4-b)(1,4)benzoxazin-2(3H)-one), phenothiazine cytidine (1H-pyrimido(5,4-b)(1,4)benzothiazin-2(3H)-one), G-clamps such as a substituted phenoxazine cytidine (e.g. 9-(2-aminoethoxy)-H-pyrimido(5,4-(b) (1,4)benzoxazin-2(3H)-one), carbazole cytidine (2H-pyrimido(4,5-b)indol-2-one), pyridoindole cytidine (H-pyrido(3′,2′:4,5)pyrrolo(2,3-d)pyrimidin-2-one).

Heterocyclic base moieties may also include those in which the purine or pyrimidine base is replaced with other heterocycles, for example 7-deaza-adenine, 7-deazaguanosine, 2-aminopyridine and 2-pyridone. Further nucleobases include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. I., ed. John Wiley & Sons, 1990, those disclosed by Englisch et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30, 613, and those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y. S., Chapter 15, Antisense Research and Applications, pages 289-302, Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., ed., CRC Press, 1993. Certain of these nucleobases are useful for increasing the binding affinity of an oligomeric compound. These include 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and O-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex stability by 0.6-1.2° C. (Sanghvi et al., eds., Antisense Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278) and are suitable base substitutions, e.g., when combined with 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar modifications.

Conjugates

Another possible modification of a subject nucleic acid involves chemically linking to the polynucleotide one or more moieties or conjugates which enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotide. These moieties or conjugates can include conjugate groups covalently bound to functional groups such as primary or secondary hydroxyl groups. Conjugate groups include, but are not limited to, intercalators, reporter molecules, polyamines, polyamides, polyethylene glycols, polyethers, groups that enhance the pharmacodynamic properties of oligomers, and groups that enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of oligomers. Suitable conjugate groups include, but are not limited to, cholesterols, lipids, phospholipids, biotin, phenazine, folate, phenanthridine, anthraquinone, acridine, fluoresceins, rhodamines, coumarins, and dyes. Groups that enhance the pharmacodynamic properties include groups that improve uptake, enhance resistance to degradation, and/or strengthen sequence-specific hybridization with the target nucleic acid. Groups that enhance the pharmacokinetic properties include groups that improve uptake, distribution, metabolism or excretion of a subject nucleic acid.

Conjugate moieties include but are not limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86, 6553-6556), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1994, 4, 1053-1060), a thioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660, 306-309; Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3, 2765-2770), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20, 533-538), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J., 1991, 10, 1111-1118; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259, 327-330; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75, 49-54), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethylammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18, 3777-3783), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14, 969-973), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36, 3651-3654), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264, 229-237), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277, 923-937.

A conjugate may include a “Protein Transduction Domain” or PTD (also known as a CPP—cell penetrating peptide), which may refer to a polypeptide, polynucleotide, carbohydrate, or organic or inorganic compound that facilitates traversing a lipid bilayer, micelle, cell membrane, organelle membrane, or vesicle membrane. A PTD attached to another molecule, which can range from a small polar molecule to a large macromolecule and/or a nanoparticle, facilitates the molecule traversing a membrane, for example going from extracellular space to intracellular space, or cytosol to within an organelle. In some cases, a PTD attached to another molecule facilitates entry of the molecule into the nucleus (e.g., in some cases, a PTD includes a nuclear localization signal). In some embodiments, a PTD is covalently linked to the amino terminus of an exogenous polypeptide (e.g., a Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, a PTD is covalently linked to the carboxyl terminus of an exogenous polypeptide (e.g., a Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, a PTD is covalently linked to the amino terminus and to the carboxyl terminus of an exogenous polypeptide (e.g., a Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, a PTD is covalently linked to a nucleic acid (e.g., a Cas9 guide RNA, a polynucleotide encoding a Cas9 guide RNA, a polynucleotide encoding a Cas9 protein, etc.). Exemplary PTDs include but are not limited to a minimal undecapeptide protein transduction domain (corresponding to residues 47-57 of HIV-1 TAT comprising YGRKKRRQRRR; SEQ ID NO:264); a polyarginine sequence comprising a number of arginines sufficient to direct entry into a cell (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 10-50 arginines); a VP22 domain (Zender et al. (2002) Cancer Gene Ther. 9(6):489-96); an Drosophila Antennapedia protein transduction domain (Noguchi et al. (2003) Diabetes 52(7):1732-1737); a truncated human calcitonin peptide (Trehin et al. (2004) Pharm. Research 21:1248-1256); polylysine (Wender et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:13003-13008); RRQRRTSKLMKR (SEQ ID NO:265); Transportan GWTLNSAGYLLGKINLKALAALAKKIL (SEQ ID NO:266); KALAWEAKLAKALAKALAKHLAKALAKALKCEA (SEQ ID NO:267); and RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ ID NO:268). Exemplary PTDs include but are not limited to, YGRKKRRQRRR (SEQ ID NO:264), RKKRRQRRR (SEQ ID NO:269); an arginine homopolymer of from 3 arginine residues to 50 arginine residues; Exemplary PTD domain amino acid sequences include, but are not limited to, any of the following: YGRKKRRQRRR (SEQ ID NO:264); RKKRRQRR (SEQ ID NO:270); YARAAARQARA (SEQ ID NO:271); THRLPRRRRRR (SEQ ID NO:272); and GGRRARRRRRR (SEQ ID NO:273). In some embodiments, the PTD is an activatable CPP (ACPP) (Aguilera et al. (2009) Integr Biol (Camb) June; 1(5-6): 371-381). ACPPs comprise a polycationic CPP (e.g., Arg9 or “R9”) connected via a cleavable linker to a matching polyanion (e.g., Glu9 or “E9”), which reduces the net charge to nearly zero and thereby inhibits adhesion and uptake into cells. Upon cleavage of the linker, the polyanion is released, locally unmasking the polyarginine and its inherent adhesiveness, thus “activating” the ACPP to traverse the membrane.

Additional Examples

Additional targeters, activators, Cas9 proteins (including variant Cas9 proteins), Cas9 guide RNAs, and methods of using the same, can be found in the literature (see, for example, Chylinski et al., RNA Biol. 2013 May; 10(5):726-37; Jinek et al., Science. 2012 Aug. 17; 337(6096):816-21; Ma et al., Biomed Res Int. 2013; 2013:270805; Hou et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Sep. 24; 110(39):15644-9; Jinek et al., Elife. 2013; 2:e00471; Pattanayak et al., Nat Biotechnol. 2013 September; 31(9):839-43; Qi et al, Cell. 2013 Feb. 28; 152(5):1173-83; Wang et al., Cell. 2013 May 9; 153(4):910-8; Auer et. al., Genome Res. 2013 Oct. 31; Chen et. al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e19; Cheng et. al., Cell Res. 2013 October; 23(10):1163-71; Cho et. al., Genetics. 2013 November; 195(3):1177-80; DiCarlo et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 April; 41(7):4336-43; Dickinson et. al., Nat Methods. 2013 October; 10(10):1028-34; Ebina et. al., Sci Rep. 2013; 3:2510; Fujii et. al, Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e187; Hu et. al., Cell Res. 2013 November; 23(11):1322-5; Jiang et. al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e188; Larson et. al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2180-96; Mali et. at., Nat Methods. 2013 October; 10(10):957-63; Nakayama et. al., Genesis. 2013 December; 51(12):835-43; Ran et. al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2281-308; Ran et. al., Cell. 2013 Sep. 12; 154(6):1380-9; Upadhyay et. al., G3 (Bethesda). 2013 Dec. 9; 3(12):2233-8; Walsh et. al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Sep. 24; 110(39):15514-5; Xie et. al., Mol Plant. 2013 Oct. 9; Yang et. al., Cell. 2013 Sep. 12; 154(6):1370-9; and U.S. patents and patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,906,616; 8,895,308; 8,889,418; 8,889,356; 8,871,445; 8,865,406; 8,795,965; 8,771,945; 8,697,359; 20140068797; 20140170753; 20140179006; 20140179770; 20140186843; 20140186919; 20140186958; 20140189896; 20140227787; 20140234972; 20140242664; 20140242699; 20140242700; 20140242702; 20140248702; 20140256046; 20140273037; 20140273226; 20140273230; 20140273231; 20140273232; 20140273233; 20140273234; 20140273235; 20140287938; 20140295556; 20140295557; 20140298547; 20140304853; 20140309487; 20140310828; 20140310830; 20140315985; 20140335063; 20140335620; 20140342456; 20140342457; 20140342458; 20140349400; 20140349405; 20140356867; 20140356956; 20140356958; 20140356959; 20140357523; 20140357530; 20140364333; and 20140377868; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Host Cells

The present disclosure provides host cells comprising (e.g., genetically modified to comprise) a nucleic acid of the present disclosure (e.g., a nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein). A genetically modified cell (a host cell) can be permanently modified (e.g., if a sequence encoding a variant Cas9 protein is integrated into the genome of the cell, or is present on an extrachromosomal nucleic acid that is stable and remains in the cell, etc.), or can be temporarily modified (e.g., the cell can comprise an mRNA encoding the variant Cas9 protein, the cell can comprise a DNA encoding that variant Cas9 protein that is not stably integrated into the cell's genome, e.g., is present on a extrachromosomal nucleic acid this is not permanent). In other words, a cell comprising a nucleic acid (mRNA or DNA) encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein is a genetically modified host cell. The present disclosure provides host cells comprising (e.g., genetically modified to comprise) a recombinant vector of the present disclosure.

Suitable host cells include, e.g. a bacterial cell; an archaeal cell; a cell of a single-cell eukaryotic organism; a plant cell; an algal cell, e.g., Botryococcus braunii, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Sargassum patens C. Agardh, and the like; a fungal cell (e.g., a yeast cell); an animal cell; a cell from an invertebrate animal (e.g. fruit fly, cnidarian, echinoderm, nematode, etc.); a cell from a vertebrate animal (e.g., fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal); a cell from a mammal (e.g., a cell from a rodent, a cell from a human, etc.); and the like.

A suitable host cell can be a stem cell (e.g. an embryonic stem (ES) cell, an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell); a germ cell; a somatic cell, e.g. a fibroblast, a hematopoietic cell, a neuron, a muscle cell, a bone cell, a hepatocyte, a pancreatic cell; an in vitro or in vivo embryonic cell of an embryo at any stage, e.g., a 1-cell, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, etc. stage zebrafish embryo; etc.). Cells may be from established cell lines or they may be primary cells, where “primary cells”, “primary cell lines”, and “primary cultures” are used interchangeably herein to refer to cells and cells cultures that have been derived from a subject and allowed to grow in vitro for a limited number of passages, i.e. splittings, of the culture. For example, primary cultures include cultures that may have been passaged 0 times, 1 time, 2 times, 4 times, 5 times, 10 times, or 15 times, but not enough times go through the crisis stage. Primary cell lines can be maintained for fewer than 10 passages in vitro. Host cells are in many embodiments unicellular organisms, or are grown in culture.

If the cells are primary cells, they may be harvest from an organism (e.g., an individual) by any convenient method. For example, leukocytes may be conveniently harvested by apheresis, leukocytapheresis, density gradient separation, etc., while cells from tissues such as skin, muscle, bone marrow, spleen, liver, pancreas, lung, intestine, stomach, etc. are most conveniently harvested by biopsy. An appropriate solution may be used for dispersion or suspension of the harvested cells. Such solution will generally be a balanced salt solution, e.g. normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Hank's balanced salt solution, etc., conveniently supplemented with fetal calf serum or other naturally occurring factors, in conjunction with an acceptable buffer at low concentration, e.g., from 5-25 mM. Convenient buffers include HEPES, phosphate buffers, lactate buffers, etc. The cells may be used immediately, or they may be stored, frozen, for long periods of time, being thawed and capable of being reused. In such cases, the cells can be frozen in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 50% serum, 40% buffered medium, or some other such solution as is commonly used in the art to preserve cells at such freezing temperatures, and thawed in a manner as commonly known in the art for thawing frozen cultured cells.

In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is in vitro. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is in vivo. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a prokaryotic cell or is derived from a prokaryotic cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a bacterial cell or is derived from a bacterial cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is an archaeal cell or is derived from an archaeal cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a eukaryotic cell or is derived from a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a plant cell or is derived from a plant cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is an animal cell or is derived from an animal cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is an invertebrate cell or is derived from an invertebrate cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a vertebrate cell or is derived from a vertebrate cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a mammalian cell or is derived from a mammalian cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a rodent cell or is derived from a rodent cell. In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified host cell is a human cell or is derived from a human cell.

The present disclosure further provides progeny of a subject genetically modified cell, where the progeny can comprise the same exogenous nucleic acid or polypeptide as the subject genetically modified cell from which it was derived. The present disclosure further provides a composition comprising a subject genetically modified host cell.

Non-Human Genetically Modified Organisms

In some embodiments, a genetically modified host cell has been genetically modified with an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). If such a cell is a eukaryotic single-cell organism, then the modified cell can be considered a genetically modified organism. In some embodiments, subject non-human genetically modified organism is a Cas9 transgenic multicellular organism.

In some embodiments, a subject genetically modified non-human host cell (e.g., a cell that has been genetically modified with an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) can generate a subject genetically modified non-human organism (e.g., a mouse, a fish, a frog, a fly, a worm, etc.). For example, if the genetically modified host cell is a pluripotent stem cell (i.e., PSC) or a germ cell (e.g., sperm, oocyte, etc.), an entire genetically modified organism can be derived from the genetically modified host cell. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell is a pluripotent stem cell (e.g., ESC, iPSC, pluripotent plant stem cell, etc.) or a germ cell (e.g., sperm cell, oocyte, etc.), either in vivo or in vitro, that can give rise to a genetically modified organism. In some embodiments the genetically modified host cell is a vertebrate PSC (e.g., ESC, iPSC, etc.) and is used to generate a genetically modified organism (e.g. by injecting a PSC into a blastocyst to produce a chimeric/mosaic animal, which could then be mated to generate non-chimeric/non-mosaic genetically modified organisms; grafting in the case of plants; etc.). Any convenient method/protocol for producing a genetically modified organism is suitable for producing a genetically modified host cell comprising an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). Methods of producing genetically modified organisms are known in the art. For example, see Cho et al., Curr Protoc Cell Biol. 2009 March; Chapter 19:Unit 19.11: Generation of transgenic mice; Gama et al., Brain Struct Funct. 2010 March; 214(2-3):91-109. Epub 2009 Nov. 25: Animal transgenesis: an overview; Husaini et al., GM Crops. 2011 June-December; 2(3):150-62. Epub 2011 Jun. 1: Approaches for gene targeting and targeted gene expression in plants.

In some embodiments, a genetically modified organism comprises a target cell for methods of the invention, and thus can be considered a source for target cells. For example, if a genetically modified cell comprising one or more exogenous nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) is used to generate a genetically modified organism, then the cells of the genetically modified organism comprise the one or more exogenous nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). In some such embodiments, nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) within a cell or cells of the genetically modified organism can be targeted for modification by introducing into the cell or cells a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., a truncated Cas9 guide RNA) (or a nucleic acid encoding the Cas9 guide RNA), and in some cases a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide. For example, the introduction of a Cas9 guide RNA (or a DNA encoding the same) into a subset of cells (e.g., brain cells, intestinal cells, kidney cells, lung cells, blood cells, etc.) of the genetically modified organism can target the DNA of such cells for modification, the genomic location of which will depend on the targeting sequence of the introduced Cas9 guide RNA.

In some embodiments, a genetically modified organism is a source of target cells for methods of the invention. For example, a genetically modified organism comprising cells that are genetically modified with an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) can provide a source of genetically modified cells, for example PSCs (e.g., ESCs, iPSCs, sperm, oocytes, etc.), neurons, progenitor cells, cardiomyocytes, etc.

In some embodiments, a genetically modified cell is a PSC comprising an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). As such, the PSC can be a target cell such that the DNA of the PSC can be targeted for modification by introducing into the PSC a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., a truncated Cas9 guide RNA) (or a nucleic acid encoding the Cas9 guide RNA) and in some cases a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide, and the genomic location of the modification will depend on the targeting sequence of the introduced Cas9 guide RNA. Thus, in some embodiments, the methods described herein can be used to modify nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) (e.g., delete and/or replace any desired genomic location) within PSCs derived from a subject genetically modified organism. Such modified PSCs can then be used to generate organisms having both (i) an exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) and (ii) a DNA modification that was introduced into the PSC.

An exogenous nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) can be under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) an unknown promoter (e.g., when the nucleic acid randomly integrates into a host cell genome) or can be under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) a known promoter. Suitable known promoters can be any known promoter and include constitutively active promoters (e.g., CMV promoter), inducible promoters (e.g., heat shock promoter, Tetracycline-regulated promoter, Steroid-regulated promoter, Metal-regulated promoter, estrogen receptor-regulated promoter, etc.), spatially restricted and/or temporally restricted promoters (e.g., a tissue specific promoter, a cell type specific promoter, etc.), etc.

A subject genetically modified non-human organism can be any organism other than a human, including for example, a plant; algae; an invertebrate (e.g., a cnidarian, an echinoderm, a worm, a fly, etc.); a vertebrate (e.g., a fish (e.g., zebrafish, puffer fish, gold fish, etc.), an amphibian (e.g., salamander, frog, etc.), a reptile, a bird, a mammal, etc.); an ungulate (e.g., a goat, a pig, a sheep, a cow, etc.); a rodent (e.g., a mouse, a rat, a hamster, a guinea pig); a lagomorpha (e.g., a rabbit); etc.

Transgenic Non-Human Animals

As described above, in some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (e.g., a recombinant expression vector) is used as a transgene to generate a transgenic animal that produces a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). Thus, the present disclosure further provides a transgenic non-human animal, which animal comprises a transgene comprising a subject nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (e.g., one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, the genome of the transgenic non-human animal comprises a subject nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, the transgenic non-human animal is homozygous for the genetic modification. In some embodiments, the transgenic non-human animal is heterozygous for the genetic modification. In some embodiments, the transgenic non-human animal is a vertebrate, for example, a fish (e.g., zebra fish, gold fish, puffer fish, cave fish, etc.), an amphibian (frog, salamander, etc.), a bird (e.g., chicken, turkey, etc.), a reptile (e.g., snake, lizard, etc.), a mammal (e.g., an ungulate, e.g., a pig, a cow, a goat, a sheep, etc.; a lagomorph (e.g., a rabbit); a rodent (e.g., a rat, a mouse); a non-human primate; etc.), etc.

Nucleotide sequences encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (e.g., one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), can be under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) an unknown promoter (e.g., when the nucleic acid randomly integrates into a host cell genome) or can be under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) a known promoter. Suitable known promoters can be any known promoter and include constitutively active promoters (e.g., CMV promoter), inducible promoters (e.g., heat shock promoter, Tetracycline-regulated promoter, Steroid-regulated promoter, Metal-regulated promoter, estrogen receptor-regulated promoter, etc.), spatially restricted and/or temporally restricted promoters (e.g., a tissue specific promoter, a cell type specific promoter, etc.), etc.

Transgenic Plants

As described above, in some embodiments, a subject nucleic acid (e.g., one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a subject Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein)(e.g., a recombinant expression vector) is used as a transgene to generate a transgenic plant that produces a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). Thus, the present disclosure further provides a transgenic plant, which plant comprises a transgene comprising a subject nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (e.g., one or more nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). In some embodiments, the genome of the transgenic plant comprises a subject nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the transgenic plant is homozygous for the genetic modification. In some embodiments, the transgenic plant is heterozygous for the genetic modification.

Methods of introducing exogenous nucleic acids into plant cells are well known in the art. Such plant cells are considered “transformed,” as defined above. Suitable methods include viral infection (such as double stranded DNA viruses), transfection, conjugation, protoplast fusion, electroporation, particle gun technology, calcium phosphate precipitation, direct microinjection, silicon carbide whiskers technology, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and the like. The choice of method is generally dependent on the type of cell being transformed and the circumstances under which the transformation is taking place (i.e. in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo).

Transformation methods based upon the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens are particularly useful for introducing an exogenous nucleic acid molecule into a vascular plant. The wild type form of Agrobacterium contains a Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid that directs production of tumorigenic crown gall growth on host plants. Transfer of the tumor-inducing T-DNA region of the Ti plasmid to a plant genome requires the Ti plasmid-encoded virulence genes as well as T-DNA borders, which are a set of direct DNA repeats that delineate the region to be transferred. An Agrobacterium-based vector is a modified form of a Ti plasmid, in which the tumor inducing functions are replaced by the nucleic acid sequence of interest to be introduced into the plant host.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation generally employs cointegrate vectors or binary vector systems, in which the components of the Ti plasmid are divided between a helper vector, which resides permanently in the Agrobacterium host and carries the virulence genes, and a shuttle vector, which contains the gene of interest bounded by T-DNA sequences. A variety of binary vectors are well known in the art and are commercially available, for example, from Clontech (Palo Alto, Calif.). Methods of coculturing Agrobacterium with cultured plant cells or wounded tissue such as leaf tissue, root explants, hypocotyledons, stem pieces or tubers, for example, also are well known in the art. See., e.g., Glick and Thompson, (eds.), Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press (1993).

Microprojectile-mediated transformation also can be used to produce a subject transgenic plant. This method, first described by Klein et al. (Nature 327:70-73 (1987)), relies on microprojectiles such as gold or tungsten that are coated with the desired nucleic acid molecule by precipitation with calcium chloride, spermidine or polyethylene glycol. The microprojectile particles are accelerated at high speed into an angiosperm tissue using a device such as the BIOLISTIC PD-1000 (Biorad; Hercules Calif.).

A subject nucleic acid may be introduced into a plant in a manner such that the nucleic acid is able to enter a plant cell(s), e.g., via an in vivo or ex vivo protocol. By “in vivo,” it is meant in the nucleic acid is administered to a living body of a plant e.g. infiltration. By “ex vivo” it is meant that cells or explants are modified outside of the plant, and then such cells or organs are regenerated to a plant. A number of vectors suitable for stable transformation of plant cells or for the establishment of transgenic plants have been described, including those described in Weissbach and Weissbach, (1989) Methods for Plant Molecular Biology Academic Press, and Gelvin et al., (1990) Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Kluwer Academic Publishers. Specific examples include those derived from a Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, as well as those disclosed by Herrera-Estrella et al. (1983) Nature 303: 209, Bevan (1984) Nucl Acid Res. 12: 8711-8721, Klee (1985) Bio/Technolo 3: 637-642. Alternatively, non-Ti vectors can be used to transfer the DNA into plants and cells by using free DNA delivery techniques. By using these methods transgenic plants such as wheat, rice (Christou (1991) Bio/Technology 9:957-9 and 4462) and corn (Gordon-Kamm (1990) Plant Cell 2: 603-618) can be produced. An immature embryo can also be a good target tissue for monocots for direct DNA delivery techniques by using the particle gun (Weeks et al. (1993) Plant Physiol 102: 1077-1084; Vasil (1993) Bio/Technolo 10: 667-674; Wan and Lemeaux (1994) Plant Physiol 104: 37-48 and for Agrobacterium-mediated DNA transfer (Ishida et al. (1996) Nature Biotech 14: 745-750). Exemplary methods for introduction of DNA into chloroplasts are biolistic bombardment, polyethylene glycol transformation of protoplasts, and microinjection (Danieli et al Nat. Biotechnol 16:345-348, 1998; Staub et al Nat. Biotechnol 18: 333-338, 2000; O'Neill et al Plant J. 3:729-738, 1993; Knoblauch et al Nat. Biotechnol 17: 906-909; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,451,513, 5,545,817, 5,545,818, and 5,576,198; in Intl. Application No. WO 95/16783; and in Boynton et al., Methods in Enzymology 217: 510-536 (1993), Svab et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 913-917 (1993), and McBride et al., Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 7301-7305 (1994)). Any vector suitable for the methods of biolistic bombardment, polyethylene glycol transformation of protoplasts and microinjection will be suitable as a targeting vector for chloroplast transformation. Any double stranded DNA vector may be used as a transformation vector, especially when the method of introduction does not utilize Agrobacterium.

Plants which can be genetically modified include grains, forage crops, fruits, vegetables, oil seed crops, palms, forestry, and vines. Specific examples of plants which can be modified follow: maize, banana, peanut, field peas, sunflower, tomato, canola, tobacco, wheat, barley, oats, potato, soybeans, cotton, carnations, sorghum, lupin and rice.

Also provided by the subject disclosure are transformed plant cells, tissues, plants and products that contain the transformed plant cells. A feature of the subject transformed cells, and tissues and products that include the same is the presence of a subject nucleic acid integrated into the genome, and production by plant cells of a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein). Recombinant plant cells of the present invention are useful as populations of recombinant cells, or as a tissue, seed, whole plant, stem, fruit, leaf, root, flower, stem, tuber, grain, animal feed, a field of plants, and the like.

Nucleotide sequences encoding a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) can be under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) an unknown promoter (e.g., when the nucleic acid randomly integrates into a host cell genome) or can be under the control of (i.e., operably linked to) a known promoter. Suitable known promoters can be any known promoter and include constitutively active promoters, inducible promoters, spatially restricted and/or temporally restricted promoters, etc.

Methods

A variant Cas9 protein of the present disclosure finds use in a variety of methods. A subject variant Cas9 protein can be used in any method that a Cas9 protein can be used. For example, a variant Cas9 protein can be used to (i) modify (e.g., cleave, e.g., nick; methylate; etc.) target nucleic acid (DNA or RNA; single stranded or double stranded); (ii) modulate transcription of a target nucleic acid; (iii) bind a target nucleic acid (e.g., for purposes of isolation, labeling, imaging, tracking, etc.); (iv) modify a polypeptide (e.g., a histone) associated with a target nucleic acid; and the like. Because a method that uses a variant Cas9 protein includes binding of the variant Cas9 protein to a particular region in a target nucleic acid (by virtue of being targeted there by an associated Cas9 guide RNA), the methods are generally referred to herein as methods of binding (e.g., a method of binding a target nucleic acid). However, it is to be understood that in some cases, while a method of binding may result in nothing more than binding of the target nucleic acid, in other cases, the method can have different final results (e.g., the method can result in modification of the target nucleic acid, e.g., cleavage/methylation/etc., modulation of transcription from the target nucleic acid, modulation of translation of the target nucleic acid, genome editing, modulation of a protein associated with the target nucleic acid, isolation of the target nucleic acid, etc.). For examples of suitable methods, Cas9 variants, guide RNAs, etc., see, for example, Jinek et al., Science. 2012 Aug. 17; 337(6096):816-21; Chylinski et al., RNA Biol. 2013 May; 10(5):726-37; Ma et al., Biomed Res Int. 2013; 2013:270805; Hou et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Sep. 24; 110(39):15644-9; Jinek et al., Elife. 2013; 2:e00471; Pattanayak et al., Nat Biotechnol. 2013 September; 31(9):839-43; Qi et al, Cell. 2013 Feb. 28; 152(5):1173-83; Wang et al., Cell. 2013 May 9; 153(4):910-8; Auer et. al., Genome Res. 2013 Oct. 31; Chen et. al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e19; Cheng et. al., Cell Res. 2013 October; 23(10):1163-71; Cho et. al., Genetics. 2013 November; 195(3):1177-80; DiCarlo et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 April; 41(7):4336-43; Dickinson et. al., Nat Methods. 2013 October; 10(10):1028-34; Ebina et. al., Sci Rep. 2013; 3:2510; Fujii et. al, Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e187; Hu et. al., Cell Res. 2013 November; 23(11):1322-5; Jiang et. al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013 Nov. 1; 41(20):e188; Larson et. al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2180-96; Mali et. at., Nat Methods. 2013 October; 10(10):957-63; Nakayama et. al., Genesis. 2013 December; 51(12):835-43; Ran et. al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2281-308; Ran et. al., Cell. 2013 Sep. 12; 154(6):1380-9; Upadhyay et. al., G3 (Bethesda). 2013 Dec. 9; 3(12):2233-8; Walsh et. al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013 Sep. 24; 110(39):15514-5; Xie et. al., Mol Plant. 2013 Oct. 9; Yang et. al., Cell. 2013 Sep. 12; 154(6):1370-9; and U.S. patents and patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,906,616; 8,895,308; 8,889,418; 8,889,356; 8,871,445; 8,865,406; 8,795,965; 8,771,945; 8,697,359; 20140068797; 20140170753; 20140179006; 20140179770; 20140186843; 20140186919; 20140186958; 20140189896; 20140227787; 20140234972; 20140242664; 20140242699; 20140242700; 20140242702; 20140248702; 20140256046; 20140273037; 20140273226; 20140273230; 20140273231; 20140273232; 20140273233; 20140273234; 20140273235; 20140287938; 20140295556; 20140295557; 20140298547; 20140304853; 20140309487; 20140310828; 20140310830; 20140315985; 20140335063; 20140335620; 20140342456; 20140342457; 20140342458; 20140349400; 20140349405; 20140356867; 20140356956; 20140356958; 20140356959; 20140357523; 20140357530; 20140364333; and 20140377868; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

For example, the present disclosure provides (but is not limited to) methods of cleaving a target nucleic acid; methods of editing a target nucleic acid; methods of modulating transcription from a target nucleic acid; methods of isolating a target nucleic acid, methods of binding a target nucleic acid, methods of imaging a target nucleic acid, methods of modifying a target nucleic acid, and the like. For example, in some cases, a subject variant Cas9 protein is a nickase and can be used to modify a target nucleic acid (e.g., a target DNA, e.g., genomic DNA) by nicking the nucleic acid. In some such cases, a donor polynucleotide is provided such that the donor sequence of the donor polynucleotide is incorporated into the target nucleic acid.

In some cases, a method includes a paired nickase strategy in which a subject variant Cas9 protein is a nickase and is used (e.g., in combination with Cas9 guide RNAs that are offset and target opposite strands of a double stranded target nucleic acid) to generate a double stranded break (DSB) in the target nucleic acid, and therefore to generate a modified target nucleic acid with increased specificity (e.g., relative to a wild type Cas9 protein—because off-target nicks can be efficiently repaired by the cell while on-target nicks are double strand brakes that lead to non-homologous end-joining or homology directed repair).

As used herein, the terms/phrases “contact a target nucleic acid” and “contacting a target nucleic acid”, for example, with a variant Cas9 protein, with a subject system, etc. encompass all methods for contacting the target nucleic acid. For example, a variant Cas9 protein can be provided as protein, RNA (encoding the variant Cas9 protein), or DNA (encoding the variant Cas9 protein); while a Cas9 guide RNA can be provided as a guide RNA or as a nucleic acid encoding the guide RNA. As such, when, for example, performing a method in a cell (e.g., inside of a cell in vitro, inside of a cell in vivo, inside of a cell ex vivo), a method that includes contacting the target nucleic acid encompasses the introduction into the cell of any or all of the components in their active/final state (e.g., in the form of a protein(s) for a variant Cas9 protein, in the form of an RNA for the guide RNA), and also encompasses the introduction into the cell of one or more nucleic acids encoding one or more of the components (e.g., nucleic acid(s) having nucleotide sequence(s) encoding a variant Cas9 protein(s), nucleic acid(s) having nucleotide sequence(s) encoding Cas9 guide RNA(s), and the like). Because the methods can also be performed in vitro outside of a cell, a method that includes contacting a target nucleic acid, (unless otherwise specified) encompasses contacting outside of a cell in vitro, inside of a cell in vitro, inside of a cell in vivo, and inside of a cell ex vivo.

In some cases, a subject method is a method that includes contacting a target nucleic acid with a subject variant Cas9 protein. In some cases, a subject method includes contacting a target nucleic acid with a variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., in some cases a truncated Cas9 guide RNA, e.g., not having stem loops 2 or 3). In some cases, a subject method includes contacting a target nucleic acid with a variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA (e.g., a truncated guide RNA, e.g., not having stem loops 2 or 3) and a dimerizer (e.g., light, a dimerizing agent, etc.), e.g., in cases where the variant Cas9 is a split Cas9. In some cases, a method is a method of contacting a target nucleic acid with a system. In some cases, the system can include: (i) a subject variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA; (ii) a subject variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA and a dimerizer; or (iii) a subject variant Cas9 protein and a Cas9 guide RNA and at least one of: a dimerizer and a donor polynucleotide.

Target Nucleic Acids and Target Cells of Interest

A target nucleic acid can be any nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA), can be double strand or single stranded, can be any type of nucleic acid (e.g., a chromosome, derived from a chromosome, chromosomal, plasmid, viral, extracellular, intracellular, mitochondrial, chloroplast, linear, circular, etc.) and can be from any organism (e.g., as long as the Cas9 guide RNA can hybridize to a target sequence in a target nucleic acid, that target nucleic acid can be targeted). As noted above, in some cases, the target nucleic acid includes a PAM sequence.

A target nucleic acid can be DNA or RNA. A target nucleic acid can be double stranded (e.g., dsDNA, dsRNA) or single stranded (e.g., ssRNA, ssDNA). In some cases, a target nucleic acid is single stranded. In some cases, a target nucleic acid is a single stranded RNA (ssRNA). In some cases, a target ssRNA (e.g., a target cell ssRNA, a viral ssRNA, etc.) is selected from: mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, non-coding RNA (ncRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA). In some cases, a target nucleic acid is a single stranded DNA (ssDNA) (e.g., a viral DNA). As noted above, in some cases, a target nucleic acid is single stranded. In some such cases, methods in which the target nucleic acid is single stranded, the method can include the use of a PAMmer (e.g., so that a PAM sequence is present at the target).

A target nucleic acid can be located anywhere, for example, outside of a cell in vitro, inside of a cell in vitro, inside of a cell in vivo, inside of a cell ex vivo. Suitable target cells (which can comprise target nucleic acids) include, but are not limited to: a bacterial cell; an archaeal cell; a cell of a single-cell eukaryotic organism; a plant cell; an algal cell, e.g., Botryococcus braunii, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Sargassum patens C. Agardh, and the like; a fungal cell (e.g., a yeast cell); an animal cell; a cell from an invertebrate animal (e.g. fruit fly, cnidarian, echinoderm, nematode, etc.); a cell from a vertebrate animal (e.g., fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal); a cell from a mammal (e.g., a cell from a rodent, a cell from a human, etc.); and the like. Any type of cell may be of interest (e.g. a stem cell, e.g. an embryonic stem (ES) cell, an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell, a germ cell (e.g., an oocyte, a sperm, an oogonia, a spermatogonia, etc.), a somatic cell, e.g. a fibroblast, a hematopoietic cell, a neuron, a muscle cell, a bone cell, a hepatocyte, a pancreatic cell; an in vitro or in vivo embryonic cell of an embryo at any stage, e.g., a 1-cell, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, etc. stage zebrafish embryo; etc.). Cells may be from established cell lines or they may be primary cells, where “primary cells”, “primary cell lines”, and “primary cultures” are used interchangeably herein to refer to cells and cells cultures that have been derived from a subject and allowed to grow in vitro for a limited number of passages, i.e. splittings, of the culture. For example, primary cultures are cultures that may have been passaged 0 times, 1 time, 2 times, 4 times, 5 times, 10 times, or 15 times, but not enough times go through the crisis stage. Typically, the primary cell lines are maintained for fewer than 10 passages in vitro. Target cells can be unicellular organisms and/or can be grown in culture. If the cells are primary cells, they may be harvest from an individual by any convenient method. For example, leukocytes may be conveniently harvested by apheresis, leukocytapheresis, density gradient separation, etc., while cells from tissues such as skin, muscle, bone marrow, spleen, liver, pancreas, lung, intestine, stomach, etc. can be conveniently harvested by biopsy.

In some of the above applications, the subject methods may be employed to induce target nucleic acid cleavage, target nucleic acid modification, and/or to bind target nucleic acids (e.g., for visualization, for collecting and/or analyzing, etc.) in mitotic or post-mitotic cells in vivo and/or ex vivo and/or in vitro (e.g., to disrupt production of a protein encoded by a targeted mRNA). Because the guide RNA provides specificity by hybridizing to target nucleic acid, a mitotic and/or post-mitotic cell of interest in the disclosed methods may include a cell from any organism (e.g. a bacterial cell, an archaeal cell, a cell of a single-cell eukaryotic organism, a plant cell, an algal cell, e.g., Botryococcus braunii, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Nannochloropsis gaditana, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Sargassum patens C. Agardh, and the like, a fungal cell (e.g., a yeast cell), an animal cell, a cell from an invertebrate animal (e.g. fruit fly, cnidarian, echinoderm, nematode, etc.), a cell from a vertebrate animal (e.g., fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal), a cell from a mammal, a cell from a rodent, a cell from a human, etc.).

Introducing Components into a Target Cell

A Cas9 guide RNA (or a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding same), a PAMmer (or a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding same), a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein) (or a nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA or DNA) comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the Cas9 protein), and/or a donor polynucleotide can be introduced into a host cell by any of a variety of well-known methods.

Methods of introducing nucleic acids and/or proteins into a host cell are known in the art, and any known method can be used to introduce a nucleic acid (e.g., an expression construct) and/or a protein into a stem cell or progenitor cell. Suitable methods include, e.g., viral or bacteriophage infection, transfection, conjugation, protoplast fusion, lipofection, nucleofection, electroporation, calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-mediated transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, liposome-mediated transfection, particle gun technology, calcium phosphate precipitation, direct micro injection, nanoparticle-mediated nucleic acid delivery (see, e.g., Panyam et., al Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2012 Sep. 13. pii: 50169-409X(12)00283-9. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.09.023), and the like. Any or all of the components can be introduced into a cell as a composition (e.g., including any convenient combination of: a Cas9 protein, e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein; a nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein; a Cas9 guide RNA; a PAMmer; a donor polynucleotide; etc.) using known methods, e.g., such as nucleofection, transfection, injection, and the like.

Cell Synchronization

In some embodiments, a subject method includes a step of blocking a cell at a desired phase in the cell cycle (e.g., blocking a cell at S phase, blocking a cell at M phase, etc.), which can increase efficiency of Cas9 mediated methods (e.g., methods that include cleavage). In some cases, a subject method includes a step of contacting a target cell with a cell cycle blocking agent that blocks the target cell at a desired phase in the cell cycle. In some embodiments, a subject method includes a step of enriching a cell population for cells that are in a desired phase(s) of the cell cycle.

Thus, in some embodiments, subject methods include (i) the step of enriching a cell population for cells that are in a desired phase(s) of the cell cycle, and/or (ii) the step of blocking a cell at a desired phase in the cell cycle. The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication (replication) that produces two daughter cells. Two major phases of the cell cycle are the S phase (DNA synthesis phase), in which DNA duplication occurs, and the M phase (mitosis), in which the chromosomes segregation and cell division occurs. The eukaryotic cell cycle is traditionally divided into four sequential phases: G1, S, G2, and M. G1, S, and G2 together can collectively be referred to as “interphase”. Under certain conditions, cells can delay progress through G1 and can enter a specialized resting state known as G0 (G zero), in which they can remain for days, weeks, or even years before resuming proliferation. The period of transition from one state to another can be referred to using a hyphen, for example, G1/S, G2/M, etc. As is known in the art, various checkpoints exist throughout the cell cycle at which a cell can monitor conditions to determine whether cell cycle progression should occur. For example, the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint serves to prevent cells from entering mitosis (M-phase) with genomic DNA damage.

A step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in a desired phase of the cell cycle (e.g., G1, S, G2, M, G1/S, G2/M, G0, etc., or any combination thereof), and can be performed using any convenient method (e.g., a cell separation method and/or a cell synchronization method).

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G0 phase of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G0 phase of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the S phase of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the M phase of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the M phase of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G1/S transition of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 targeting complex (e.g., via introducing into the target eukaryotic cell(s) at least one component of a Cas9 targeting complex)(e.g., contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

In some cases, a subject method includes a step of enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G2/M transition of the cell cycle. For example, in some cases, a subject method includes: (a) enriching a population of eukaryotic cells for cells in the G2/M transition of the cell cycle; and (b) contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 targeting complex (e.g., via introducing into the target eukaryotic cell(s) at least one component of a Cas9 targeting complex)(e.g., contacting the target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA) with a Cas9 protein (e.g., a subject variant Cas9 protein), a Cas9 guide RNA, and a dimerizing agent.

By “enrich” is meant increasing the fraction of desired cells in the resulting cell population.

For example, in some cases, enriching includes selecting desirable cells (e.g., cells that are in the desired phase of the cell cycle) away from undesirable cells (e.g., cells that are not in the desired phase of the cell cycle), which can result in a smaller population of cells, but a greater fraction (i.e., higher percentage) of the cells of the resulting cell population will be desirable cells (e.g., cells that are in the desired phase of the cell cycle). Cell separation methods (described below) can be an example of this type of enrichment. In other cases, enriching includes converting undesirable cells (e.g., cells that are not in the desired phase of the cell cycle) into desirable cells (e.g., cells that are in the desired phase of the cell cycle), which can result in a similar size population of cells as the starting population, but a greater fraction of those cells will be desirable cells (e.g., cells that are in the desired phase of the cell cycle). Cell synchronization methods (described below) can be an example of this type of enrichment. In some cases, enrichment can both change the overall size of the resulting cell population (compared to the size of the starting population) and increase the fraction of desirable cells. For example, multiple methods/techniques can be combined (e.g., to improve enrichment, to enrich for cells a more than one desired phase of the cell cycle, etc.).

In some cases, enriching includes a cell separation method. Any convenient cell separation method can be used to enrich for cells that are at various phases of the cell cycle. Suitable cell separation techniques for enrichment of cells at particular phases of the cell cycle include, but are not limited to: (i) mitotic shake-off (M-phase; mechanical separation on the basis of cell adhesion properties, e.g., adherent cells in the mitotic phase detach from the surface upon gentle shaking, tapping, or rinsing); (ii) Countercurrent centrifugal elutriation (CCE) (G1, S, G2/M, and intermediate states; physical separation on the basis of cell size and density); and (iii) flow cytometry and cell sorting (e.g., G0, G1, S, G2/M; physical separation based on specific intracellular, e.g., DNA, content) and cell surface and/or size properties).

Mitotic shake-off generally includes dislodgment of low adhesive, mitotic cells by agitation (see for example, Beyrouthy et. al., PLoS ONE 3, e3943 (2008); Schorl, C. & Sedivy, Methods 41, 143-150 (2007)). CCE generally includes the separation of cells according to their sedimentation velocity in a gravitational field where the liquid containing the cells is made to flow against the centrifugal force with the sedimentation rate of cells being proportional to their size (see for example, Grosse et. al., Prep Biochem Biotechnol. 2012; 42(3):217-33; Banfalvi et. al., Nat. Protoc. 3, 663-673 (2008)). Flow cytometry methods generally include the characterization of cells according to antibody and/or ligand and/or dye-mediated fluorescence and scattered light in a hydrodynamically focused stream of liquid with subsequent electrostatic, mechanical or fluidic switching sorting (see for example, Coquelle et. al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 72, 1396-1404 (2006); Juan et. al., Cytometry 49, 170-175 (2002)). For more information related to cell separation techniques, refer to, for example, Rosner et al., Nat Protoc. 2013 March; 8(3):602-26.

In some cases, enriching includes a cell synchronization method (i.e., synchronizing the cells of a cell population). Cell synchronization is a process by which cells at different stages of the cell cycle within a cell population (i.e., a population of cells in which various individual cells are in different phases of the cycle) are brought into the same phase. Any convenient cell synchronization method can be used in the subject methods to enrich for cells that are at a desired phase(s) of the cell cycle. For example, cell synchronization can be achieved by blocking cells at a desired phase in the cell cycle, which allows the other cells to cycle until they reach the blocked phase. For example, suitable methods of cell synchronization include, but are not limited to: (i) inhibition of DNA replication, DNA synthesis, and/or mitotic spindle formation (e.g., sometimes referred to herein as contacting a cell with a cell cycle blocking composition); (ii) mitogen or growth factor withdrawal (G0, G1, G0/G1; growth restriction-induced quiescence via, e.g., serum starvation and/or amino acid starvation); and (iii) density arrest (G1; cell-cell contact-induced activation of specific transcriptional programs) (see for example, Rosner et al., Nat Protoc. 2013 March; 8(3):602-26 (e.g., see Table 1 of Rosner et al.), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and see references cited therein).

Various methods for cell synchronization will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art and any convenient method can be used. For additional methods for cell synchronization (e.g., synchronization of plant cells), see, for example, Sharma, Methods in Cell Science, 1999, Volume 21, Issue 2-3, pp 73-78 (“Synchronization in plant cells—an introduction”); Dolezel et al., Methods in Cell Science, 1999, Volume 21, Issue 2-3, pp 95-107 (“Cell cycle synchronization in plant root meristems”); Kumagai-Sano et al., Nat Protoc. 2006; 1(6):2621-7; and Cools et al., The Plant Journal (2010) 64, 705-714; and Rosner et al., Nat Protoc. 2013 March; 8(3):602-26; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Cell Cycle Blocking Compositions

In some embodiments, a cell (or cells of a cell population), is blocked at a desired phase of the cell cycle (e.g., by contacting the cell with a cycle blocking composition). In some embodiments, cells of a cell population are synchronized (e.g., by contacting the cells with a cell cycle blocking composition). A cell cycle blocking composition can include one or more cell cycle blocking agents. The term “cell cycle blocking agent” is used herein to refer to an agent that blocks (e.g., reversibly blocks (pauses), irreversibly blocks) a cell at a particular point in the cell cycle such that the cell cannot proceed further. Suitable cell cycle blocking agents include reversible cell cycle blocking agents. Reversible cell cycle blocking agents do not render the cell permanently blocked. In other words, when reversible cell cycle blocking agent is removed from the cell medium, the cell is free to proceed through the cell cycle. Cell cycle blocking agents are sometimes referred to in the art as cell synchronization agents because when such agents contact a cell population (e.g., a population having cells that are at different stages of the cell cycle), the cells of the population become blocked at the same phase of the cell cycle, thus synchronizing the population of cells relative to that particular phase of the cell cycle. When the cell cycle blocking agent used is reversible, the cells can then be “released” from cell cycle block.

Suitable cell cycle blocking agents include, but are not limited to: nocodazole (G2, M, G2/M; inhibition of microtubule polymerization), colchicine (G2, M, G2/M; inhibition of microtubule polymerization); demecolcine (colcemid) (G2, M, G2/M; inhibition of microtubule polymerization); hydroxyurea (G1, S, G1/S; inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase); aphidicolin (G1, S, G1/S; inhibition of DNA polymerase-α and DNA polymerase-δ); lovastatin (G1; inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase/cholesterol synthesis and the proteasome); mimosine (G1, S, G1/S; inhibition of thymidine, nucleotide biosynthesis, inhibition of Ctf4/chromatin binding); thymidine (G1, S, G1/S; excess thymidine-induced feedback inhibition of DNA replication); latrunculin A (M; delays anaphase onset, actin polymerization inhibitor, disrupts interpolar microtubule stability); and latrunculin B (M; actin polymerization inhibitor).

Suitable cell cycle blocking agents can include any agent that has the same or similar function as the agents above (e.g., an agent that inhibits microtubule polymerization, an agent that inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, an agent that inhibits DNA polymerase-α and/or DNA polymerase-δ, an agent that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and/or cholesterol synthesis, an agent that inhibits nucleotide biosynthesis, an agent that inhibits DNA replication, i.e., inhibit DNA synthesis, an agent that inhibits initiation of DNA replication, an agent that inhibits deoxycytosine synthesis, an agent that induces excess thymidine-induced feedback inhibition of DNA replication, and agent that disrupts interpolar microtubule stability, an agent that inhibits actin polymerization, and the like). Suitable agents that block G1 can include: staurosporine, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycocorticosteroids, and/or mevalonate synthesis inhibitors. Suitable agents that block G2 phase can include CDK1 inhibitors e.g., RO-3306. Suitable agents that block M can include cytochalasin D.

In some cases, suitable cell cycle blocking agents include: cobtorin; dinitroaniline; benefin (benluralin); butralin; dinitramine; ethalfluralin; oryzalin; pendimethalin; trifluralin; amiprophos-methyl; butamiphos dithiopyr; thiazopyr propyzamider-pronamide-tebutam DCPA (chlorthal-dimethyl); anisomycin; alpha amanitin; jasmonic acid; abscisic acid; menadione; cryptogeine; hydrogen peroxide; sodium permanganate; indomethacin; epoxomycin; lactacystein; icrf 193; olomoucine; roscovitine; bohemine; K252a; okadaic acid; endothal; caffeine; MG132; cycline dependent kinase inhibitors; and the like.

For more information regarding cell cycle blocking agents, see Merrill G F, Methods Cell Biol. 1998; 57:229-49, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Systems and Kits

The present disclosure provides a system and/or kit comprising a variant Cas9 protein of the present disclosure, or a nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein. In some cases, a system and/or kit also includes a reagent for reconstitution and/or dilution of the Cas9 protein or the nucleic acid. In some cases, a system and/or kit includes: (a) a variant Cas9 protein of the present disclosure, or a nucleic acid encoding a subject variant Cas9 protein; and (b) a Cas9 guide RNA, or a nucleic acid encoding a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases (e.g., when the subject variant Cas9 is also a split Cas9) the Cas9 guide RNA can be a truncated guide RNA, and the system and/or kit can include a dimerization agent (e.g., a small molecule dimerizer that induces dimerization of the first fusion polypeptide and the second fusion polypeptide of the split Cas9 protein). Small molecule dimerizers (also referred to herein as “small molecule dimerizing agents”) are described elsewhere herein. In some cases, a system and/or kit of the present disclosure includes a PAMmer (described in more detail below). In some cases, a system and/or kit of the present disclosure comprises a donor polynucleotide (described in more detail below).

Components of a subject kit can be in present in the same or separate containers. For example, in some cases, the components can be combined in a single container. Any of the kits described herein can further include one or more additional reagents, where such additional reagents can be selected from: a dilution buffer; a reconstitution solution; a wash buffer; a control reagent; a control expression vector or RNA or DNA polynucleotide; a reagent for in vitro production of a subject variant Cas9 protein from DNA or RNA, and the like.

In addition to above-mentioned components, a subject kit can further include instructions for using the components of the kit to practice the subject methods. The instructions for practicing the subject methods are generally recorded on a suitable recording medium. For example, the instructions may be printed on a substrate, such as paper or plastic, etc. As such, the instructions may be present in the kits as a package insert, in the labeling of the container of the kit or components thereof (i.e., associated with the packaging or subpackaging) etc. In other embodiments, the instructions are present as an electronic storage data file present on a suitable computer readable storage medium, e.g. CD-ROM, diskette, flash drive, etc. In yet other embodiments, the actual instructions are not present in the kit, but means for obtaining the instructions from a remote source, e.g. via the internet, are provided. An example of this embodiment is a kit that includes a web address where the instructions can be viewed and/or from which the instructions can be downloaded. As with the instructions, this means for obtaining the instructions is recorded on a suitable substrate.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention nor are they intended to represent that the experiments below are all or the only experiments performed. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g. amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is weight average molecular weight, temperature is in degrees Celsius, and pressure is at or near atmospheric. Standard abbreviations may be used, e.g., bp, base pair(s); kb, kilobase(s); pl, picoliter(s); s or sec, second(s); min, minute(s); h or hr, hour(s); aa, amino acid(s); kb, kilobase(s); bp, base pair(s); nt, nucleotide(s); i.m., intramuscular(ly); i.p., intraperitoneal(ly); s.c., subcutaneous(ly); and the like.

Example 1

Materials and Methods

Spy Cas9 Expression and Purification.

Cas9 was cloned into a custom pET-based expression vector encoding an N-terminal His₁₀-tag followed by Maltose-Binding Protein (MBP) and a TEV protease cleavage site. Point mutations were introduced using site-directed mutagenesis and verified by DNA sequencing.

WT and mutated Cas9 proteins were purified as described (Jinek et al., Science. 2012 Aug. 17; 337(6096):816-21), with the following modifications: All buffers contained 20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 5% glycerol, and 1 mM TCEP. The NaCl concentration was maintained at 500 mM during Ni-NTA chromatography and overnight dialysis with TEV protease. Cas9 was dialyzed into Buffer A (20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 125 mM KCl, 5% glycerol, 1 mM TCEP) for 3 h at 4° C., and then applied onto a 5 ml HiTrap SP HP sepharose column (GE Healthcare). After washing with three column volumes of Buffer A, SpyCas9 was eluted using a linear gradient from 0-100% Buffer B (20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 1 M KCl, 5% glycerol, 1 mM TCEP) over 20 column volumes. The protein was further purified by gel filtration chromatography on a Superdex 200 16/60 column (GE Healthcare) in SpyCas9 Storage Buffer (20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 200 mM KCl, 5% glycerol, 1 mM TCEP).

Cleavage Assays with Cas9.

A synthetic single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting a 20-bp target sequence from the bacteriophage genome was generated by run-off transcription from a plasmid DNA template and purified via 5% denaturing PAGE. A 55-bp DNA target derived from the bacteriophage genome was prepared by mixing equimolar amounts of individual synthetic oligonucleotides (IDT) in Hybridization Buffer (20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl₂) supplemented with 5% glycerol, heating for 1-2 minutes, and slow-cooling on the benchtop. Duplexes were separated from single-stranded DNA by 6% native PAGE conducted at 4° C., with 5 mM MgCl₂ added to the gel and the running buffer. The DNA was excised, eluted into 10 mM Tris-Cl, pH 8 at 4° C. overnight, ethanol precipitated, and resuspended in Hybridization Buffer.

Cas9:sgRNA complexes were reconstituted by mixing Cas9 with an equimolar amount of sgRNA in Reaction Buffer (20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM DTT) and incubating at 37° C. for 10 minutes. Cleavage reactions were performed at room temperature in Reaction Buffer using 1 nM radiolabeled dsDNA substrates and 100 nM Cas9:sgRNA. Aliquots (10 μl) were removed at various time points and quenched by mixing with an equal volume of formamide gel loading buffer supplemented with 50 mM EDTA. Cleavage products were resolved by 10% denaturing PAGE and visualized by phosphorimaging (GE Healthcare). The sequences of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides used in this study are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 List of nucleic acid reagents used in this study. # Description Sequence (5′-3′) 1 sgRNA (nts 15-87) GACGCAUAAAGAUGAGACGCGUUUUAGAGCUAUGC UGUUUUGGAAACAAAACAGCAUAGCAAGUUAAAAU AAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUUGAAAAAGUGGCACC GAGUCGGUGCUUUUUUUGGAUC (SEQ ID NO: 1623) 2 55-bp DNA substrate, AGCAGAAATCTCTGCTGACGCATAAAGATGAGACGC TG non-target strand^(a) GAGTACAAACGTCAGCT (SEQ ID NO: 1624) 3 55-bp DNA substrate, AGCTGACGTTTGTACTCCA GCGTCTCATCTTTATGCGTC target strand^(a) AGCAGAGATTTCTGCT (SEQ ID NO: 1625) ^(a)The protospacer is italicized. The PAM is underlined.

Results

FIG. 6A-6E depict the structural design of Cas9 proline insertion mutants (Cas9 variants). (FIG. 6A) Domain organization of Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes. RuvC, RuvC nuclease domain; BH, bridge helix; α-helical lobe, also known as recognition (REC) lobe; HNH, HNH nuclease domain; PI, PAM-interactin domain. The linker (RuvC/HNH linker region) connecting the C-terminus of the HNH domain to the N-terminus of the RuvCIII domain is indicated with an arrow. (FIG. 6B) Structure of DNA-bound Spy Cas9, taken from PDB ID 4008. Domains are labeled and colored as in FIG. 6A. (FIG. 6C) Selected plasmid constructs (pSHS #1111) and the point mutations that each construct harbors. Mutations were engineered into the RuvC/HNH linker region indicated in FIG. 6A. WT, wild-type. (FIG. 6D) Zoom-in of the RuvC/HNH linker region connecting the C-terminus of the HNH domain to the N-terminus of the RuvCIII domain. In molecule A (Mol A) from PDB ID 4008, the RuvC/HNH linker region is ordered, and the HNH domain is also ordered but positioned distal from the cleavage site. In molecule B (Mol B), the indicated α-helix is extended but the rest of the RuvC/HNH linker region is disordered, as is the entire HNH domain. (FIG. 6E) The positions of introduced proline mutations are indicated, both in the text box and by representing the wild-type residues in green ball-and-stick.

FIG. 7 demonstrates that proline insertion mutants (Cas9 variants) are specifically compromised in cleavage activity of the RuvC domain (i.e., the Cas9 variants have reduced RuvC cleavage activity). Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) substrates, 55 base pairs (bp) in length, were radiolabeled on both 5′ ends and incubated with single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and the Cas9 constructs indicated at the top. Reactions were incubated for variable amounts of time, quenched with EDTA, and resolved by denaturing urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Wild-type cleavage activity resulted in two product bands, representing the cleavage target strand by the HNH domain, and the cleaved non-target strand by the RuvC domain. Cas9 variants displayed a reduced RuvC cleavage activity [Reduced cleavage activty of the non-target strand (non-complementary strand), but not the target strand (complementary strand)]. An alanine control (E923A, T924A-Cas9) demonstrated that the loss of function was not due to the wild-type residues being mutated, but to the insertion of proline residues that would prevent a continuous α-helix from forming.

FIG. 8 presents an analysis of DNA cleavage data for selected Cas9 variants. Cleavage experiments were conducted (as in FIG. 7) and analyzed to assess the fraction of both target strand (by HNH domain) and non-target strand (by RuvC domain) cleavage for each Cas9 variant. Data points represent measured values; solid lines represent exponential fits. The observed rates of target strand (complementary strand) and non-target strand (non-complementary strand) cleavage were indistinguishable for wild-type Cas9 (WT). However, for the tested Cas9 variants, cleavage rates for the non-target strand (non-complementary strand) were reduced relative to the cleavage rates for the target strand (complementary strand). Thus, the tested Cas9 variants displayed a reduced RuvC cleavage activity (relative HNH cleavage activity and/or relative to the RuvC cleavage activity of the corresponding WT Cas9 protein).

FIG. 9 presents observed rate constants for DNA cleavage by selected Cas9 variants. Data from three replicate experiments (as in FIG. 8) were fit to exponential curves, and the resulting observed rate constants (k_(obs)) were determined for cleavage of each strand by each Cas9 variant. The rate of target strand cleavage by the HNH domain (cleavage of the target strand/complementary strand) was only subtly affected (if at all) by proline insertions, but the rate of non-target strand cleavage by the RuvC domain (cleavage of the non-target strand/non-complementary strand) was reduced for all tested Cas9 variants relative to WT Cas9, and was also reduced for all tested Cas9 variants relative to cleavage activity of the HNH domain (e.g, compare the rate of cleavage for target strand versus non-target strand in each case). The alanine substitution experiment (E923A-T924A-Cas9) demonstrated that simply mutating the wild-type residues was not sufficient to cause a severe effect. Instead, it was the prolines that affected RuvC cleavage by blocking the formation of a contiguous α-helix of the RuvC/HNH linker region.

Example 2

Materials and Methods

-   -   The following methods used were taken from and/or adapted from         Jinek et al. (2014) Science 343:1247997.     -   dsDNA binding assays with Cas9. A synthetic single-guide RNA         (sgRNA) targeting a 20-bp target sequence from the bacteriophage         genome was generated by run-off transcription from a plasmid DNA         template and purified via 5% denaturing polyacrylamide gel         electrophoresis (PAGE). A 55-bp DNA target derived from the         bacteriophage genome was prepared by mixing equimolar amounts of         individual synthetic oligonucleotides (IDT) in Hybridization         Buffer (20 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl₂)         supplemented with 5% glycerol, heating for 1-2 minutes, and         slow-cooling on the benchtop. Duplexes were separated from         single-stranded DNA by 6% native PAGE conducted at 4° C., with 5         mM MgCl₂ added to the gel and the running buffer. The DNA was         excised, eluted into 10 mM Tris-Cl, pH 8 at 4° C. overnight,         ethanol precipitated, and resuspended in Hybridization Buffer.     -   Cas9-sgRNA complexes were reconstituted by mixing increasing         concentrations of Cas9 with 100 nM sgRNA in Reaction Buffer (20         mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM dithiothreitol         (DTT), 5% glycerol) and incubating at 37° C. for 10 minutes.         Binding reactions (15 μL) were performed at room temperature in         Reaction Buffer supplemented with 50 μg/mL heparin using <0.1 nM         radiolabeled dsDNA substrates. Reactions were resolved by 8%         native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (0.5×TBE, 5 mM MgCl₂)         for 1.5-2 hr at 4° C. in a running buffer containing 0.5×TBE and         5 mM MgCl₂. Reactions were visualized by phosphorimaging (GE         Healthcare). The sequences of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides used         in this study are listed in Table 1.     -   Exonuclease III footprinting assays. DNA targets (55 bp) were         prepared by 5′-radiolabeling the target strand and then         hybridizing it to a 5× molar excess of unlabeled complementary         strand. After incubating either catalytically inactive         (D10A/H840A) dCas9-sgRNA complexes or ΔHNH-Cas9-sgRNA complexes         (100 nM) with ˜1 nM DNA substrate for 30 minutes at 25° C. in         Reaction Buffer (20 mM Tris-Cl, pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl₂,         1 mM DTT, 5% glycerol, 50 μg/mL heparin), 10 units of         exonuclease III (NEB) were added and reactions were incubated an         additional 10 minutes at 37° C. before quenching with         phenol:chloroform. Aqueous layers were mixed with formamide gel         loading buffer supplemented with 50 mM EDTA, and reaction         products were resolved by 15% denaturing (7M urea) PAGE and         visualized by phosphorimaging (GE Healthcare). To define the         sequence register of enzymatic reaction products, a DNA ladder         was generated by 5′-radiolabeling the synthetic target or         non-target strand without prior gel purification and compared to         DNA cleavage products using active Cas9-sgRNA or the restriction         enzyme MslI (NEB).

Results

The results are shown in FIG. 11A-11D. As shown in FIG. 11A-11D, ΔHNH-Cas9 has wild-type DNA binding activity but is defective for non-target strand nicking by the RuvC domain.

FIG. 10A-10B present structural design of ΔHNH-Cas9. FIG. 10A. Domain organization of Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes. RuvC, RuvC nuclease domain; BH, bridge helix; α-helical lobe, also known as recognition (REC) lobe; HNH, HNH nuclease domain; PI, PAM-interacting domain. To generate ΔHNH-Cas9, residues T769-K918 were removed and replaced with a GGSGGS linker. FIG. 10B. Structure of DNA-bound Spy Cas9, taken from PDB ID 4UN3 (left). Domains are labeled and colored as in A. The inset at top shows a zoom-in of the HNH domain position. The bottom inset shows the same view but with the HNH deletion.

FIG. 11A-11D present binding and enzymatic activity data for ΔHNH-Cas9. ΔHNH-Cas9 has wild-type DNA binding activity but is defective for non-target strand nicking by the RuvC domain FIG. 11A. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) substrates, 55 base pairs (bp) in length, were radiolabeled on both 5′ ends and incubated with 100 nM single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and increasing concentrations of either catalytically inactive dCas9 (D10A/H840A) or ΔHNH-Cas9. Reactions were resolved by 8% native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. FIG. 11B. Quantification of the data in FIG. 11A reveals that dsDNA binding affinities for dCas9 and ΔHNH-Cas9 are indistinguishable. Equilibrium dissociation constants calculated from at least three experiments are 0.80±0.71 nM and 1.2±0.8 nM for dCas9 and ΔHNH-Cas9, respectively. Solid lines represent fits from binding isotherms. FIG. 11C. Footprinting analysis of sgRNA/dsDNA-bound Cas9 complexes, using either dCas9 or ΔHNH-Cas9. dsDNA substrates were radiolabeled on the 5′ end of the target strand and treated with Exonuclease III (Exo III) before or after incubation with Cas9-sgRNA complexes. Markers for MslI and WT Cas9 cleavage of the substrates are shown. The red arrow indicates the region protected on the 3′ end of the target strand. FIG. 11D. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) substrates, 55 base pairs (bp) in length, were radiolabeled on both 5′ ends and incubated with 100 nM Cas9-sgRNA complexes using the indicated Cas9 variants. Wild-type Cas9 (WT) cleaves to completion in ˜15 s, whereas no cleavage is detected for ΔHNH-Cas9 after a 2-hr incubation.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant Cas9 protein with reduced HNH cleavage activity relative to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, wherein the variant Cas9 protein comprises: (a) a RuvC domain, and (b) at least one of: (i) a deletion of 100 or more amino acids within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, and (ii) an insertion, within the HNH domain, of a heterologous amino acid sequence that provides a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, wherein said insertion reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein.
 2. The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the variant Cas9 protein comprises a deletion of 150 or more amino acids within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein.
 3. The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding the variant Cas9 protein is operably linked to a transcription control sequence.
 4. The nucleic acid of claim 3, wherein the transcription control sequence is a promoter that is operable in a eukaryotic cell.
 5. The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid is a recombinant expression vector.
 6. The nucleic acid of claim 5, wherein the recombinant expression vector is a viral vector.
 7. A cell comprising the nucleic acid of claim
 1. 8. The cell of claim 7, wherein the cell is a eukaryotic cell.
 9. A system comprising: A) a variant Cas9 protein with reduced HNH cleavage activity relative to a corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, or a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the variant Cas9 protein, wherein the variant Cas9 protein comprises: (a) a RuvC domain, and (b) at least one of: (i) a deletion of 100 or more amino acids within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, and (ii) an insertion, within the HNH domain, of a heterologous amino acid sequence that provides a heterologous activity to the variant Cas9 protein relative to the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein, wherein said insertion reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein; and B) a Cas9 guide RNA, or one or more nucleic acids encoding a Cas9 guide RNA.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the variant Cas9 protein comprises a deletion of 150 or more amino acids within the HNH domain that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the variant Cas9 protein relative to the HNH cleavage activity of the corresponding wild type Cas9 protein.
 11. The system of claim 9, comprising a PAMmer.
 12. The system of claim 9, comprising a donor polynucleotide.
 13. A method of binding a target nucleic acid, comprising: contacting a target nucleic acid with the system of claim 9, wherein the Cas9 guide RNA forms a complex with the variant Cas9 protein and hybridizes to a target sequence of the target nucleic acid, thereby guiding the complex to the target sequence.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method results in modification of the target nucleic acid.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said modification is cleavage.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the variant Cas9 protein has nickase activity that cleaves the complementary strand of a target nucleic acid, but does not cleave the non-complementary strand of a target nucleic acid.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the system comprises a donor polynucleotide comprising a donor sequence, and the method results in the incorporation of the donor sequence into the target nucleic acid.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the system comprises a PAMmer.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the variant Cas9 protein lacks cleavage activity.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the variant Cas9 protein includes a fusion partner that provides for an activity selected from: nuclease activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, DNA repair activity, DNA damage activity, deamination activity, dismutase activity, alkylation activity, depurination activity, oxidation activity, pyrimidine dimer forming activity, integrase activity, transposase activity, recombinase activity, polymerase activity, ligase activity, helicase activity, photolyase activity, glycosylase activity, methyltransferase activity, demethylase activity, acetyltransferase activity, deacetylase activity, kinase activity, phosphatase activity, ubiquitin ligase activity, deubiquitinating activity, adenylation activity, deadenylation activity, SUMOylating activity, deSUMOylating activity, ribosylation activity, deribosylation activity, myristoylation activity, and demyristoylation activity. 